In Memory Of
Elna Naomi Ensley
1938
2023
Elna Naomi Ensley
February 1, 1938 — October 26, 2023
Elna Naomi Ensley, 85, of Topeka, passed away Thursday, October 26, 2023 surrounded by her loving family.
She was born February 1, 1938, in Frankfort, Kansas, the daughter of Bern and Ruth (Gustafson) Nelson. She graduated from Vermillion Rural High School in 1956.
Elna was employed by the State of Kansas until retiring in 2003.
Mrs. Ensley was a member of the First Lutheran Church, of Topeka, for over 50 years, as well as the Beulah Chapter Eastern Star.
Elna married Theodore Dennis Ensley on October 20, 1956 in Manhattan, Kansas. He preceded her in death on March 9, 2023.
Survivors include son; Doug (Sue) Ensley, daughters; Kathy (Heath) Cheatham and Connie (Scott) Hermreck, grandchildren; Ian (Sarah) Ensley, Dahnika (Hazen) Short, Bethany (Adam) Sherrer, Alexis Cheatham (Derek Anderson), and Blake Cheatham (Virgi Scardanzan), great grandchildren; Isaac, Noah, and Caroline Ensley, Matilda and Frances Short, Lauren Sherrer, and Naomi Cheatham, sister; Marylyn (Lyle) Wenzl, sisters-in-law; Linda (Tom) Opat and Pat (Arnold) Yurk, brother-in-law; Don (Barbara) Ensley, and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Ted, of 67 years, brothers; John Nelson and Harold Nelson, and sister; Betty Froom.
Elna enjoyed volunteering for the "Ted Ensley Botanical Gardens", spending time with family and friends especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren, traveling - especially to Europe, Scandinavia and the Holy Land, and serving the church in the Altar Guild.
Honoring her wishes, cremation is planned. A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, November 4, 2023 at First Lutheran Church, 1234 SW Fairlawn Rd, Topeka, Kansas 66604. The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Friday November 3, 2023 at Dove Cremations and Funerals Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Rd, Topeka, Kansas 66610.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Parks for All Foundation for the Ted Ensley Botanical Gardens, 3137 SE 29th Street, Topeka, KS 66605 or First Lutheran Church, 1234 SW Fairlawn Road, Topeka, KS 66604.
To share a memory of Elna or leave a special message for her family, please visit the guestbook below.
She was born February 1, 1938, in Frankfort, Kansas, the daughter of Bern and Ruth (Gustafson) Nelson. She graduated from Vermillion Rural High School in 1956.
Elna was employed by the State of Kansas until retiring in 2003.
Mrs. Ensley was a member of the First Lutheran Church, of Topeka, for over 50 years, as well as the Beulah Chapter Eastern Star.
Elna married Theodore Dennis Ensley on October 20, 1956 in Manhattan, Kansas. He preceded her in death on March 9, 2023.
Survivors include son; Doug (Sue) Ensley, daughters; Kathy (Heath) Cheatham and Connie (Scott) Hermreck, grandchildren; Ian (Sarah) Ensley, Dahnika (Hazen) Short, Bethany (Adam) Sherrer, Alexis Cheatham (Derek Anderson), and Blake Cheatham (Virgi Scardanzan), great grandchildren; Isaac, Noah, and Caroline Ensley, Matilda and Frances Short, Lauren Sherrer, and Naomi Cheatham, sister; Marylyn (Lyle) Wenzl, sisters-in-law; Linda (Tom) Opat and Pat (Arnold) Yurk, brother-in-law; Don (Barbara) Ensley, and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Ted, of 67 years, brothers; John Nelson and Harold Nelson, and sister; Betty Froom.
Elna enjoyed volunteering for the "Ted Ensley Botanical Gardens", spending time with family and friends especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren, traveling - especially to Europe, Scandinavia and the Holy Land, and serving the church in the Altar Guild.
Honoring her wishes, cremation is planned. A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, November 4, 2023 at First Lutheran Church, 1234 SW Fairlawn Rd, Topeka, Kansas 66604. The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Friday November 3, 2023 at Dove Cremations and Funerals Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Rd, Topeka, Kansas 66610.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Parks for All Foundation for the Ted Ensley Botanical Gardens, 3137 SE 29th Street, Topeka, KS 66605 or First Lutheran Church, 1234 SW Fairlawn Road, Topeka, KS 66604.
To share a memory of Elna or leave a special message for her family, please visit the guestbook below.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Elna Naomi Ensley, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Friday, November 3, 2023
5:00 - 8:00 pm (Central time)
Dove Cremations & Funerals - Southwest
Guestbook
Visits: 1
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