Gary Jay Ellis

Gary Jay Ellis, 88, of Perry died Thursday May 29th, 2025 at Neuvant House in Lawrence, KS. Gary was born on January 16th, 1937 at home in Perry, KS the son of Walter Irl Ellis and Gladys Faye Dick. He was a 1955 graduate of Perry Rural High School. Gary was an accomplished machine mechanic for 40 ½ years at Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company in Topeka, KS before he retired in January, 2000. He always felt lucky to have had a job he loved and for the great friends he made during his time at the plant.
Gary married Ruth Maxine Willkomm on July 19th, 1958 at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Perry, KS. The marriage Mass was officiated by Father John Quigley. The Blacksmith and the Baker were married for nearly 67 years full of faith and love. Ruth survives and lives at home in Perry. He is also survived by his children Theresa (Jerry Bollig) King, M.D. of Perry, KS, Debbie (Danny) Bolden of Lawrence, KS, Kimberly (Scott) Urie of Freeport, TX, Jay Ellis of Lawrence, KS, Robert (Dasha) Ellis of McKinney, TX, Joshua (Torrie) Ellis of Perry, KS. He was the proud grandpa of Jacob Ellis, Adam King, Anna King, Simon Urie, Garrett Urie, Riley Ellis, Liam Ellis, Olivia Ellis and Mia Ellis. His great grandchildren are Kaden King, Elias King, Tyde Urie, Reeve Urie, Ariah Robbins and unborn baby boy Robbins. Also survived by Sister-in-law Daryl Rene Ellis, sisters Lila Larson, Carol Sauve, Sherry Sanchez, brothers Merle (Rose) Ellis and Lee (Leeta) Ellis. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, sister Marita Wentworth, brother Keith Ellis, brother-in-laws Earl Wentworth, Jon Larson and John Sauve.
Gary was a member of St. Theresa Catholic Church in Perry, KS for over 40 years. Prior to that he was a member of Perry United Methodist Church. He served the Catholic parish for many years as a Sexton for Mount Calvary Cemetery. He was also an amateur blacksmith and member of ABANA, the Artist Blacksmith Association of North America. He was active with the Kansas Knifemakers Guild and loved projects of all kinds. Gary was an avid hunter and loved taking family members to the woods to experience the joy of hunting, fishing and conservation. He took several hunting trips over the years with family members and good friends in Wyoming, Canada, Texas and Kansas. Gary was a very knowledgeable man and always knew the answer to most any question put before him. He loved local history and could tell stories for hours driving around Jefferson County or sitting at his home in Perry. Gary was a folk craft artist whose talents included wood carving, metal art, stone art; he was influenced heavily from Native American Culture. Gary was active in the Boy Scouts of America with his sons. Travel and family camping vacations always made him happy. He loved getting dirty in the garden and riding on his tractors.
There will be a Rosary at 5:30 PM on Friday June 6th followed by visitation from 6:00-8:00 PM at St. Theresa Parish Center in Perry. Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM on Saturday June 7th at St. Theresa Catholic Church. Committal service to follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Theresa Catholic Church or Jefferson County Friends of Hospice. Barnett Family Funeral Home, Oskaloosa is assisting the family. barnettfamilyfh.com