Elsie Ellis

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our mother, Elsie Ellis, age 95, on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at the Southwest Integrated Facility in Maple Creek, SK. She passed away peacefully with family at her side.

Elsie will be lovingly remembered by her daughter, Diane (Wayne) Schapansky of Swift Current, SK; her son, Randi (Heather) Ellis of Hazlet, SK; her son, Brad (Noreen) Ellis of Calgary, AB; 8 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-grandchild.

She was predeceased by her husband, Lenard (October 31, 2020); her parents; and all her siblings.

Elsie was born on December 20, 1930 at Piapot, SK to Sam and Lena Klein. She was one of nine children in her family who grew up on the farm. Even though there were tough times, mom had a good childhood.

After graduation from Maple Creek High School, Elsie attended Teacher’s College in Moose Jaw and the U. of S. to obtain her teacher’s certificate. She then began her 10 year career at numerous one room country schools in southwest Saskatchewan, teaching all grades.

Elsie married Lenard Ellis in Maple Creek on April 12, 1952. They then moved to Hazlet where Elsie continued to teach grades one to six in a two-room school for 4 years. She retired from teaching in 1963.

In 1964 Elsie and Len moved to Gull Lake and two years later, in May, they moved back to the family farm at Hazlet where they lived for over 40 years. In December 2007 they moved to Swift Current.

Writing was a passion Elsie enjoyed and she attended many workshops and retreats to advance her skills. She was rewarded with having some of her poetry work published which she was very proud of.

Elsie also enjoyed golfing with the ladies at the Hazlet Golf Course. She would spend much time there walking up and down the coulees enjoying the game and the prairie scenery.

Elsie was a very dedicated member of the Gull Lake Royal Purple. She was very honored when she was presented with her 50 year pin from the Lodge. She was also a member of the Red Hat Ladies Club in Swift Current.

Elsie and Lenard both enjoyed winter trips to warmer places, such as Hawaii, Arizona, and Victoria, BC. They thoroughly enjoyed the companionship of close friends and family making the snowbird trips with them in order to escape the frigid winter months.

The family of Elsie Ellis would like to express our appreciation and thanks to the entire staff for the wonderful care she received while living at the Maple Creek Facility.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Elsie Ellis, please visit our floral store.