Nanette Catherine Ellis

nanette ellis

Nanette Catherine Ellis, 80, of Holts Summit, passed away Friday, March 1, 2024, at her residence surrounded by her family.

She was born August 1, 1943, in Georgetown, Texas, the oldest of 6 children born to Ernest Nelson and Gladys Beatrice (Anderson) Johnson.  She was baptized at Palm Valley Lutheran Church in Round Rock, Texas on September 12, 1943, and later confirmed on Palm Sunday, 1957.  She grew up with many chores on the family farm.

On July 18, 1970, Nanette was united in marriage to Howard Norman Ellis at Zion Lutheran Church in Galveston, Texas.

Nanette graduated from Round Rock High School in Round Rock, Texas in 1961 as Valedictorian of her class and from Texas Lutheran University (Magna Cum Laude) in 1965 with a B.S. in Biology and Government.   Nanette received her Teacher’s Certification from Ft. Hays State University in 1983.  She completed a Master’s degree program in Education in Guidance and Counseling in 1990 at Lincoln University.  Nanette also completed a 3-year program and was certified as a Parish Ministry Associate in 1995.  Nanette had a semester of credit from Wartburg Seminary while her husband was a student there, and she completed 2 units of rural Clinical Pastoral Education while living in Illinois.

Nanette worked in several areas in her lifetime which included a medical research technician at the University of Texas Medical Branch, where she co-authored three published articles; Family Planning Director of Galveston County with the Office of Economic Opportunity’s anti-poverty program; the in-school suspension program at Dubuque Senior High School; Science Teacher at Jefferson City High School; School Counselor at Russellville; and Home Based Specialist with Lutheran Child and Family services in Southern Illinois.

Nanette served as a supply preacher in many churches in Central Missouri and Southern Illinois.  In addition, she was on staff at Peace Lutheran in Steelville, IL and she was the synodically authorized minister at Immanuel Lutheran in Cairo, IL.   She served on synod committees and was elected and served on the Discipline Committee of the ELCA.   Nanette was very ecumenical and preached supply in the Presbyterian Church, the Methodist Church, and the United Church of Christ in Southern Illinois.  She was also an associate with the School Sisters of Notre Dame.  In retirement, she was active in lay ministries at Grace Episcopal.

Nanette was a St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan her whole life, enjoyed going to yard sales in retirement, and enjoyed music.   She wrote music published in Central States Synod-ELCA songbook.

Survivors include her husband, Rev. Howard Ellis (retired), Holts Summit; two daughters, Heidi (Shain) Bunz, Roseville, CA; Kirsten (Keith) Kempker, Holts Summit; her mother, Gladys Johnson, Thorndale, TX; son-in-law, Bill Grimsman, Seattle, WA; four grandchildren, Hannah (fiancé Brandon), Ali, Grace, Matthew; five siblings, Harvey (Phyllis) Jonson, Taylor, TX; Nelson (Marilyn) Johnson, Thorndale, TX; Ann Paulsen, Buckholts, TX; Jayne Baxter, Hutto, TX; Pam (Gary) Dishberger, Bellingham, MA; and many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, and her son, Jay Ellis.

Visitation will be 4-6 p.m. Friday, March 8, 2024, at Trimble Funeral Homes – Jefferson City.

Funeral service will be 2:30 p.m. Saturday, March 9, 2024, at Grace Episcopal Church in Jefferson City with Rev. Bill Nesbit officiating.  The service will be livestreamed on the Grace Episcopal Church Facebook page.

Burial will follow at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Russellville with Rev. Ed Merckel officiating.

Memorials are suggested to Grace Episcopal Church – Jefferson City, Trinity Lutheran Church – Russellville, or School Sisters of Notre Dame.

Services entrusted to Trimble Funeral Homes – Jefferson City. trimblefunerals.com

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  1. I’m sorry to learn of Nanette’s passing, but overjoyed to know that she is no longer in pain and is in the arms of our Savior Jesus.

  2. Mildred and Leslie Scherbel has purchased Sincerest Condolences Basket for Nanette Ellis

  3. While nothing can ever truly fill the gaping hole her absence leaves in our hearts, I take comfort knowing Nanette lived fully every single day. She spread kindness wherever she went and inspired us all to pursue our dreams. Her memory will continue to guide me as I strive to make the most of this life, just as she did.

    Thank you for the wonderful years of friendship, Nanette. I love you and will miss you always. My thoughts are with all who knew and loved this incredible woman. May her light continue to shine through us.

  4. Nan responded to her call and became a lay associate of the School Sisters of Notre Dame in 2008. She lived the spirit of the SSND in the many ways she graciously responded to people and their needs. Nan’s gentle but determined spirit will be missed, but I am sure she is already doing good in Heaven. My prayers are with her entire family.
    The picture is from 2019, when Nan was not able to renew her covenant as an SSND associate with the rest of the associates. Her dear friend Norma came to Nan’s house with a yellow rose and her commissioning card, encouraging her to continue to live the SSND spirit throughout her life. Nan will be missed.

  5. Howard, so sorry to hear of the passing of your wife. Will be praying for you as you walk through this most difficult time in your life. Cherish the memories and look forward to that great reunion❤️


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