Nancy S. Ellis

Nancy S. Ellis, 69, of Greenwood, Indiana, went to be with the Lord on May 26, 2023. She was born on June 6, 1953, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to parents, James Smith and Doris (Wilkins) Smith.

Nancy had a lifelong love of learning, and she excelled in her academic career. She was a graduate of Howe High School, where she was the valedictorian of the class of 1971, and she received a degree in microbiology from DePauw University in 1975. She was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority at DePauw. Her primary employment was with Indiana University working in various diagnostic laboratories. She also worked as a seamstress for several interior designers. But she felt her greatest career was as a mother, and she enjoyed that part of her life the most. She exhibited tremendous patience and perseverance with children, and she loved to spoil them.

An extremely creative person, Nancy had many interests and hobbies. She enjoyed music and was a good pianist. She spent many enjoyable days gardening in her vegetable gardens and flower beds. She was an excellent chef and baker, and she enjoyed making clay pottery. Nancy also loved to travel. She made several trips to Europe and Mexico, and she traveled throughout most of the United States during her lifetime.

Nancy was the rare combination of beauty, intelligence and compassion in one individual. She was always willing to stop and help a homeless person, go on a mission trip, or comfort a sick child. Her greatest legacy will be the caring and love that she showed others.

Nancy is survived by her loving husband, Tracy Ellis; children, Katie Thornton (Shane), James
Ellis (Veronica), Sarah Ayala (César); grandchildren, Graham Thornton, Joshua Ellis, Sofia Ayala Moran, Benjamin Ellis, Andre Ayala Moran, Valeria Ayala Mirus, and Itzel Ayala Mirus; great-grandchild, Gabriel Pérez Ayala; sister, Shirley Ernest; and niece, Abigail Norman (Corey).

She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Doris Smith.

Nancy was a member of Mount Pleasant Christian Church. A Memorial Gathering for Nancy will be from 10am-12pm on Thursday, June 8, 2023, at the church located at 381 N. Bluff Road., Greenwood, IN 46142, with a memorial service immediately following at 12pm.

Memorial contributions may be made to Shepherd Community Center, 4107 E. Washington St., Indianapolis, Indiana 46201.