Elsie M. Ellis

Elsie M. Ellis, 100, of Pittsburg, Kan., died at 6 a.m. Monday, June 14, 2010, at Sunset Manor.

She was born Jan. 11, 1910, in Jasper County, Mo., the daughter of Will and Darthula Heisten.

Elsie attended Centennial rural grade school, and graduated from Carthage, Mo., High School in 1926. She later earned her bachelor and master's degrees from Kansas State Teachers College of Pittsburg, Kan., now Pittsburg State University.

She married Alva Ellis on June 1, 1930, and they celebrated 67 years of happy marriage. Alva preceded her in death on Jan. 19, 1998.

Elsie gave private piano lessons from an early age, and taught music in Barton County, Mo., rural schools for 11 years, and at Westside School in Pittsburg, Kan., for 23 years. She remembered fondly her many students and especially enjoyed those friendships in later years.

She was a member of the First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, of Pittsburg, Kan., and served as pianist for the 21st century class for many years.

Elsie especially enjoyed music, playing bridge, collecting antiques and china, entertaining family and friends and traveling with Alva. She was a long-time member of Delta Kappa Gamma, S.E.K Retired Teachers Association, and S.E.K Doll Club.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband and by her sister Ula Heisten Payton.

Survivors include her nephew and wife Bill and Paula Payton, of Joplin, Mo., cousins, and friends Bill and Dorothy Baker, who assisted with her care.

Friends may call at Brenner Mortuary 114 E. 4th St. Pittsburg, Kan., from noon to 7 p.m., on Tuesday (June 15). Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday (June 16), at Park Cemetery, 801 Baker Boulevard, Carthage, Mo., with the Rev. Kevin Arensman officiating.

Memorials may be given to First Christian Church and may be left at or mailed to Brenner Mortuary.

Friends may also leave condolences online at www.brennermortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction of the Brenner Mortuary, Pittsburg, Kan.