Gail E. Ellis

Gail Elaine Ellis, 88, of Livingston passed away on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at Edenbrook of Platteville nursing home surrounded by her family.  She was born on August 23, 1934, in Liberty Township, Grant County, the daughter of Harold and Leona (Gossel) Austin.  On October 3, 1936, when Gail was only 2 years old, her mother passed away.  Gail’s father married her stepmother, Mae Trodahl on June 14, 1939.  Gail was united in marriage to Kenneth Ellis on August 23, 1952, at the Congregational Church in Lancaster.

Gail spent much of her married life working next to her husband Kenny on their dairy farm.  They worked very hard and achieved the honor of owning a Century Farm in 1993.  They moved to Livingston in 2000.  For the last few years of her life, Gail lived with her son, Gary in Rewey, and her daughter, Sharon in West Salem.

Gail enjoyed spending time with her family and playing cards, dominoes, and board games.  She enjoyed watching birds and riding around at dusk looking for deer.  She was a fanatical housekeeper “You could safely eat off of her floor” and she received playful teasing from her children about it. She always said that she was not a good cook, but her grandchildren would say that she made the best French toast, chocolate chip cookies, and lemon bars.

Gail is survived by her children: Duane Ellis of Cobb; Gary (Phyllis) Ellis of Rewey; Sharon (Dean) Olson of West Salem; Wanda (Fred) Dieball of Colgate; and Yvonne (Rick) Knoche of McFarland; 15 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchildren; her sister Joan Vesperman of Lancaster; and many nieces and nephews.

Gail was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her brother, John “Jackie” Austin.

In lieu of plants and flowers, a memorial fund is being established in loving memory of Gail Ellis.