Deborah D. Ellis, 75, of St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away surrounding by her loving family on October 24th, 2026. Deborah was born December 7th, 1950 to Doris and Edward Adkins. Deborah grew up in St. Joseph, graduating with the Central High School class of 1969.

Deborah was united in marriage to Alvan Ellis in June of 1969. The couple celebrated 57 years of loving marriage. To this union the couple welcomed 3 children; Matthew, Sarah, and Jennifer. Deborah worked as a cataloger at the Rolling Hills Consolidated Library in St. Joseph, for 34 years, retiring in 2021.

Deborah will be remembered for her sense of humor, love for British mystery shows, joy for reading a good book, and a good trip to Kohl's or TJ Maxx. Deborah was also know for her love that her and her family shared for cats. The bond that Deborah kept with not only her own cats, but also her grand-cats was deep rooted in her kind soul, and will be will be fondly cherished by her family.

Deborah was preceded in death by her parents, and brother Stephen Adkins. Survivors include; her husband Alvan, children: Matthew (Tabatha) Ellis, Sarah (Gavin) Vernet, and Jennifer Ellis, granddaughter Jayden Ellis, and beloved cats Bud and Tiger. Additional survivors include; her sisters Cheryl Bullock and Theresa Montgomery, and brother Ricky Adkins.

A memorial visitation will be held on Friday, October 30th, 2026 from 6:00-8:00 PM at Heaton-Bowman-Smith-Sidenfaden Chapel in St. Joseph, Missouri. Deborah has been cremated under the care and direction of Heaton-Bowman-Smith-Sidenfaden Chapel.

In lieu of floral arrangements the family suggests that memorials be directed to Whisker's Cat Cafe in Kansas City in loving memory of Deborah D. Ellis.