Vanessa Ellis

Vanessa Kay Ellis was born on August 11, 1955, in Topeka, Kansas. On Sunday, October 11, 2026, Vanessa departed this earthly life, leaving behind a beautiful legacy of love, strength, generosity, and unwavering devotion to her family.

Born into a military family, Vanessa's childhood was filled with travel, new places, and experiences that helped shape the woman she would become. She spent portions of her early years in Puerto Rico and Omaha, Nebraska. She later attended Omaha North High School, graduating in 1973. Her upbringing helped develop the independence, resilience, and determination that would characterize her throughout her life.

Vanessa was a woman of many talents who was never afraid of hard work or a new challenge. Throughout her adult life, she pursued several professions, including nursing, social work, and truck driving. She also worked at the Omaha and Dallas/Fort Worth airports with Sky Chefs. However, she devoted the greater part of her professional life to serving as an administrator for the family business, Ellis & Sons Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning. Her years of dedication to the business reflected her strong work ethic, loyalty, and commitment to helping sustain the family legacy.

Vanessa had a servant's heart and a special love for her church family at Greater Ideal. She particularly enjoyed serving in the church's security ministry, but her willingness to serve was never limited to one role. Whenever the church needed something, Vanessa was willing to step forward and lend a helping hand. She understood that service was not simply something you talked about, but something you demonstrated through your actions.

Those who knew Vanessa knew her as a generous woman who found joy in making others feel remembered and appreciated. She was especially known for her beloved tradition of sending birthday cards. No matter how busy life became, Vanessa made an effort to acknowledge the special days of the people she loved. A birthday rarely passed without a card from Vanessa, a simple but meaningful gesture that reflected her thoughtfulness and the importance she placed on family and relationships. For many, those cards became a cherished reminder that someone was thinking of them. It was one of the countless ways she expressed her love, and a tradition that will be remembered with great affection.

Above all else, Vanessa's greatest love was her family. Her children and grandchildren were the center of her world and the source of her greatest pride and joy. She loved deeply and gave generously. Whether offering encouragement, lending a helping hand, celebrating milestones, or simply checking in, Vanessa found purpose and happiness in caring for her family.

Vanessa was a woman of remarkable strength, independence, and resilience. She lived a life marked by hard work, service, and a generosity of spirit that touched countless lives. Although her passing came unexpectedly, the love she shared and the memories she created will continue to live in the hearts of those who knew her.

Vanessa was preceded in death by George Ellis Sr, Lucille Ellis, Thornton James Scales, and Inez Mae Ruth Dobson.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory her loving parents, Randolph and Marjorie Ellis; her sister, Inez Ellis Brown (James Brown); her brothers, Reginald Ellis (Cynthia Ellis) and Randolph Ellis (Porsha Ellis); her daughter, Sherry Ellis; her sons, Richard Green (Angel Green) and Christopher Green (TiaEisha Green); and her beloved grandchildren, Marquis Ellis, Matthew Ellis, Richard Green Jr., Japrice Green, Maurice Green, LaNasia Green, Mary Green, Christopher Green Jr., Cobe Green (Karrington Green), Cameren Green (Yada Green), and Christien Green.

She also leaves behind a host of extended family members, dear friends, and her beloved Greater Ideal church family, all of whom will forever cherish her memory.

Vanessa's life was not defined by the many jobs she held or the places she traveled, but by the love she gave, the family she nurtured, the people she served, and the countless lives she touched. Her earthly journey may have ended, but her legacy continues through her children, grandchildren, and all those who were blessed to know her.

And while the birthday cards may no longer arrive in the mail, the love behind every one of them will never be forgotten.

Forever loved. Forever remembered. Forever in our hearts.