Annie Katherine Ellis

Annie Katherine Ellis, 74, of Topeka, went home to be with our Heavenly Father on Wednesday, October 10, 2012, after a courageous six-year battle with cancer.

Born to Adolph and Harriett Stricker on October 17, 1937 in Pipe Creek, Texas, Katherine was the first of fourteen children. Called the "little mama" when she grew old enough to help with her younger siblings, she was known as Katherine to her family and later Kathy in Kansas.

Born to loving parents, Katherine was raised in Bandera, Texas with a good, solid Christian foundation and became a member of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Attending all twelve grades of school in Bandera, she was a member of the BHS Class of 1956. She continued her education at Graceland College in Lamoni, Iowa and the Independence Sanitarium School of Nursing (San) in Independence, Missouri, receiving her nursing degree in 1960. She then worked as a nurse for two years at the San.

Married to her soul-mate, Randall J. Ellis, on August 17, 1962 in the Bandera RLDS Church, the couple made their home in Topeka, Kansas. Kathy began her career as an RN at Topeka State Hospital in 1962, working there until its closure in 1997. She then worked at the Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services, ending her 50 years of service with the State of Kansas when she received her 50 year pin at a reception honoring her on August 21, 2012.

Kathy was a wonderful helpmate to her husband of 50 years in both his continued education and career and was delighted to be able to celebrate their 50th Wedding Anniversary with family and friends on August 19th of this year. Without biological children of their own, Kathy and Randy raised two boys that were in need of a stable, loving environment and she truly considered them 'her family'.

Active in her church and community, Kathy was a member of Wanamaker Woods Church of the Nazarene and was on the church board for many years. She loved the ministry of gospel music, plants, flowers, her family, and life and was an inspiration to others. She will be missed and remembered for her hardy laugh, her giving and joyous spirit, and her steadfast faith in God and Jesus Christ.

Katherine was preceded in death by her parents and three siblings.

She is survived by her husband; sons, Dwight Young, Topeka and Doyal (Vonda) Young, Paxico; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and ten siblings in Texas.

A celebration of Kathy's life will be held with funeral services at Wanamaker Woods Church of the Nazarene, 3501 SW Wanamaker Rd, Topeka at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 12, 2012 with visitation to be held prior to the service beginning at 10:00 a.m. Funeral services will be conducted by pastor, Dr. L.D. Holmes. Interment will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery, 4700 SW 17th St., Topeka , Kansas.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or Doorstep of Topeka. The Penwell-Gabel Southwest Chapel is assisting the family.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Adrian Caracioni, the staff of Brewster Place, Midland Care Hospice Service, and Wanamaker Woods Church of the Nazarene for their loving care and concern during her illness.