Ellen V. Mckenzie

Ellen Viola McKenzie (Boots), 68, Marthasville, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at St. Louis University Hospital. She fought courageously after receiving the gift of an organ transplant on April 25, 2024.

Ellen was born on April 8, 1956 in Jefferson City, MO. She grew up at Lake of the Ozarks and graduated from School of the Osage High School in 1974. She married her high school sweetheart, Mike McKenzie, in 1977. They moved to Marthasville, MO in 1984. Ellen enjoyed being at home to take care of her son and husband through the years.

Ellen enjoyed participating at Marthasville Elementary School where her son attended. She volunteered her time in the library and loved doing class parties and going on field trips. Her son Michael's friends became her children as well.

She is survived by her husband and partner of 47 years, Mike McKenzie, of the home, and her son, Michael (Ellie Donahue) McKenzie, Leasburg, MO. Michael was her greatest joy and it made her so proud to see the man he has become by following the example set by his father.

She is also survived by her brother, Clancy (Kathy) Boots, of Eldon, MO; sister, Julia Sanning, of Jefferson City, MO; Ellen's twin sister, Helen (David) Holland, of Camdenton, MO; brothers-in-law, Scott McKenzie and Dan (Shelly) McKenzie, all of St Louis, MO; special niece, Elizabeth; special friend, Sara; many nieces and nephews; cousins; and friends that have become family.

Ellen was preceded in death by her parents, Boyd and Kay (Kawahara) Boots, from Bagnell, MO.

Her hobbies included cross stitching, creating stained glass art, Wizard of Oz collectibles, lady head vases, and had a love of treasured quilts. Always one to enjoy road trips and would yell, ?Stop the car! We just passed an antique store!? She had a love for antique glassware. She loved the smoke of a campfire, eating roasted marshmallows, and the smell of burning leaves in the fall, her favorite season. She biked the Katy Trail often over the years. She had a fondness for elephants, the annual daisies that sprung up along the roadside, and dining out for her favorite Japanese foods. She always enjoyed a getaway trip to the casinos and had her favorite slot machines.

Ellen treasured her mother's Japanese heritage and included it by wanting to pass it on to members of her family.

Ellen was an organ donor, and she had the honor of receiving an organ donation. Please consider being an organ donor, someone's life depends on this gift. Donating blood in her memory would make her smile.

Private services will be held at a later date, per her wishes.

Please remember her from all of the fond memories created throughout her lifetime.