Avis Rosalie (Umphfleet) Ellis

Avis Rosalee Umphfleet was born n October 21, 1936 to Eugene Umphfleet and Marie Hattie (Loe) Umphfleet in Spickard, Missouri and went to meet our Lord on Friday, September 18, 2020 at the age of 83. 

Avis’ Mother died when she was a baby.  As a result, she was raised by her Grandmother Loe.  Avis married her sweetie, Wilbur Ira Ellis, on February 22, 1957.  They were blessed with the birth of three children, Earl Dean, Bruce Allen and Rose Marie.  Avis lived in Mill Grove, Missouri, Lucas and Chariton, Iowa and before reaching a medical status that required her to move to Chariton Specialty Care Nursing Home, she lived with Bruce and Tracie Ellis and their children.

  As a young adult she attended the Nazarene Church in Chariton, Iowa.  She was a hard worker taking on such jobs as housekeeper, babysitter, taking calls from her home for a rendering company, sales lady at Crozier’s Clothing Store, volunteering to call Bingo and other activities at Northridge at Lucas County Health Center.  She was most known for being a much-loved lunch lady at Van Allen School and Lucas School.  Earl remembers when he was little Avis made doughnuts, placed him and the doughnuts in the little wagon and walked around Lucas selling her goods. 

She loved to play card games such as Rook and Pitch.  She was always available to play board games with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Ronnie recalls a time when Grandma Avis and Grandpa Wilbur were dressing chickens.  It was the first time she had seen a chicken beheaded.  When the chicken started flopping, Ronnie screamed and ran to the house.  Jeri carries with her the memory of baking and decorating cookies with Grandma Avis, instilling a passion in Jeri to carry on the tradition with her own children/family.  Lindy has wonderful memories of taking a trip to California with grandma and grandpa and her first flight on an airplane.  Jese will always remember the times that she spent helping grandma and grandpa load up the truck with corn, Shucking it and freezing it for the winter.  She also remembers with much love in her heart, the last time she spent with Grandma Avis and Rose Before Rose (Jese’s mother) passed away.  Breanna and Ryan each hold dear, the memory of taking trips to Washington with Grandma.  Other memories of coloring Easter eggs, making sugar cookies, Learning how to make homemade noodles and taco shells, Grandma’s Halloween popcorn balls, snapping peas and green beans and working in the garden, will forever be tucked away in their hearts and minds. 

Avis mourned the previous passing of her parents, Eugene and Marie; her husband, Wilbur; only daughter, Rose; Brother Leland Umphfleet, and many other family and friends. 

Avis is survived by her sons, Earl (Merrijo) and Bruce (Tracie) Ellis.  Grandchildren Ronnie Johnston of Chariton, IA; Kevin and Jeri VanElsen of Pleasant Hill, IA; Lindy and Shalene Ellis of Albia, IA; Jese Bryant of Des Moines, IA; and Breanna and Ryan Ellis of Chariton, IA.  Great-grandchildren Spencer, Dusty and Cami Johnson; Tanner and Carter VanElsen; Ashley, Angelina, Jordyn and Sophia Rocriguez and Kaylene Robinson.  Great-great-grandchildren Trenton and Ryder Cox.

  Avis will be missed by an enormous amount of people.  She spread love throughout her life and touched many hearts with her kindness.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Avis Rosalie (Umphfleet) Ellis, please visit our floral store.