Richard William Ellis
1944 - 2023
Richard William Ellis, 79, passed away Friday, October 20, 2023, in Wichita, Kansas.
He was born on April 10, 1944, at the family farm west of Stockton in Rooks County, Kansas, to Clyde William Ellis and Ruth Marie (Betts).
Growing up, his love for the farm and music was evident in his 4-H and FFA involvement. Richard played tuba in the high school band and was a member of the state FFA band.
He attended Fort Hays State University, where he majored in Music Education. At FHSU, he met his wife, Carolyn Sue (Miller), and they were married on August 25, 1968, in Mayfield, Kansas.
Richard taught instrumental music in Phillipsburg and Morland while farming near Webster Reservoir. After their two sons were born, Richard and his family moved to Mayfield, Kansas, where he continued farming and taught in the Caldwell and Wellington school districts as a librarian. He was active in the local 4-H club and Young Farmers and Farm Wives. Richard was a stout believer in hard work and spending time with his family.
He is survived by his wife, two sons, Travis Ellis (Desty) of Springdale, Ark., and Jason Ellis (Carrie) of Manhattan; granddaughters Rylie Ellis, Kailyn Ellis, and Makensie Ellis; and a step-grandson, William Addair.
He was preceded in death by his parents; half-sister Violet (Jameson) Riffe; and sister Barbara Buss.
A viewing will be held on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with the family present from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Cornejo Funeral Home, 1030 Mission Rd., Wellington, Kansas.
Funeral services for Richard will be held on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at the Mayfield Federated Church, 102 W. Garfield St., Mayfield, Kansas. Internment will follow at the Osborne Cemetery, Mayfield, Kansas.
A memorial has been established in Richard's memory with Ft. Hays State University c/o Music Department, 600 Park St., Hays, Kansas, 67601. Donations can be mailed or left with the funeral home.
Share a memory, leave condolences, or sign his digital wall at cornejofuneralhome.com.
Arrangements by Cornejo Funeral Home + Crematory, 1030 Mission Rd., Wellington, Kansas.
