MaryKay Ellis, age 86, passed away on April 12, 2021 at Denver Hospice Lowry.

MaryKay was born Mary Katherine Murray, in Denver, Colorado on August 31, 1934.  Her parents, Margaret (Culliton) Murray and Bernard (Bud) Murray, were 2nd generation Irish immigrants and she was their only child. 

MaryKay and Joe Ellis met while on a double date however, Joe was not her date.  Joe was so taken with her down to earth personality, smile, and beauty, he got her number and asked her out to dinner.  Almost two years later, on June 14, 1958, they wed at St. Vincent de Paul church.  Their marriage was built on love, honesty, valuing each other, and most importantly humor.

After the birth of their first child, MaryKay decided to become a full-time mom and homemaker.  MaryKay and Joe were blessed with 3 more children.  Her children can attest to the fact there were many a day it probably did not feel like having 4 little blessings.  To the end, she scolded, hugged, listened, laughed, and cried with us.  Always supportive and kind, she was proud of all her children. 

As the children grew, MaryKay took on a part-time job with Denver Public Schools retiring in 1994.  The family continued to grow, adding 4 grandchildren over the years.  Having grandbabies brought an entirely new level of creative entertainment, fun, and holiday traditions.  Who could not have a special place in their heart for a grandma who taught them how to play Blackjack and bet nickels?  She is and will always be deeply loved by all her grandchildren. 

She loved socializing with her friends and their time together.  Trying new restaurants, reading, and even took up square dancing with Joe for almost a decade.  She was always on the hunt for the best deals for any category.  She never missed an important event in her children’s or grandchildren’s lives and loved the standing family Wednesday happy hours. 

MaryKay was admitted to Porter Hospital with a fractured hip on March 31st, we did not know how little precious time we had left.  She had a stroke on April 8th, and never regained consciousness.  She will live in a special place in all our hearts forever.

MaryKay will be remembered as an extraordinary woman, loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend who got her family through the tough times and celebrated during the good times. 

She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Joe Ellis, her children, Chris Ellis, Mike Ellis, Diana Ellis & Ric Navarro, and Susan Ellis, and grandchildren Fallon Gillespie & Josh Rangel, Brooke Gillespie, Devin Ellis, and Trajan Abbass.

Funeral Services will be held April 26, 2021, 10:00 a.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 2375 E. Arizona Ave, Denver CO 80210.  Committal will be at Ft. Logan National Cemetery, immediate family only.  Relatives and friends are welcome to attend the funeral services.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions are welcome at Denver Dumb Friends League and Food Bank of the Rockies.