Donna Jean Ellis

Donna Jean Ellis, 86, of St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away on Friday, December 5, 2025, surrounded by her family and caretakers.

Donna was born in St. Joseph on April 25, 1939, to Earl P. Johnson, Jr. and Bertha "Pearl" (Wolfley) Johnson. She attended school in both St. Joseph and DeKalb, Missouri, graduating from DeKalb High School in 1957.

On March 28, 1959, Donna married the love of her life, Richard E. "Dick" Ellis, who survives of the home. During their 66 years of marriage, they lived in St. Joseph, Weston, and Rushville, Missouri, while raising four children: Jeff, Greg, Janet, and Cindy.

Donna loved the Lord and was a longtime member of Carnegie Baptist Church. She had a special heart for children and cared for many through her in-home daycare over the years. Before retiring, she owned and operated Tot-A-Lot Daycare Center in St. Joseph for six years.

Her nurturing spirit extended beyond her work. Donna and Richard often opened their home to extended family members in times of need, creating a place of comfort and stability for many nieces and nephews. Together, they also served as foster parents and as a host family for St. Joseph Saints baseball players. Donna cherished Christmas and delighted in bringing joy to others, spending countless hours volunteering at AFL-CIO Community Services during the holiday season.

A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, Donna was deeply loved by her family. She leaves behind a legacy of compassion, generosity, and selfless service.

Donna adored flowers, especially planting them each spring – a tradition her family lovingly continued for her when she was no longer able. She loved capturing life's moments through photography and was rarely seen without a camera in hand. She was an avid reader and enjoyed playing cards and games with her loved ones. Donna and Richard also enjoyed traveling and had a particular fondness for cruising, especially when shared with family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Earl Johnson, Jr., Pearl Poe, Marie Johnson, and John Poe; son, Greg Ellis; her granddaughter, Jensen Ellis; siblings, Linda Cave, Ed Vowels, and Rose Marie Johnson; and brother-in-law, Curt Noll.

Survivors include her husband, Richard "Dick" Ellis; children, Jeff Ellis (Ellen), Janet Drews (Mark), and Cindy Gasper (Dennis); grandchildren, Ashley, Cassidy, Sariena, Ryan, Kyle, Megan, Dennis Jr., Sammi, and Gwyndolin; great-grandchildren, Auriella, Oralaivin, Bryce, Raelin, Kinzie, and Hazleigh; siblings, Deanna Latta (Gordon), Ellen Noll, Earl Johnson III, and Steve Poe (Patty); brother-in-law, Frank Ellis (Judie); and numerous other extended family members and friends.

Farewell Services and Public Livestream 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, December 10, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Entombment Memorial Park Mausoleum. The family will gather with friends 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Tuesday, December 9, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. The family suggests memorial contributions to AFL-CIO Community Services. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com.