Visitation will be on Friday, October 16th, 2026 from 10-11am at Martin Luther Lutheran Church, 1200 SW Blue Parkway, Lee’s Summit, MO with Funeral Service at 11am. A luncheon reception will follow the service at the church.
A private family graveside service will be held later at Leavenworth National Cemetery, Leavenworth, KS.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Martin Luther Lutheran Church Memorial Fund or to organizations that fund the cure of Alzheimer’s.
Karolyn was a longtime member of Martin Luther Lutheran Church and was active in choir, bible studies, alter guild, The Knotty Ladies women’s group and served as a lay assistant. She was also responsible for starting the Stephen Ministers, a group of lay ministers who help with grief counseling and hospital visits.
She enjoyed gardening, sewing, birdwatching, cats, softball and most of all spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Karolyn Kay (Kreitlow) Ellis was born on December 1, 1936, in Dows, Iowa to Kenneth and Rhoda Kreitlow. Karolyn married Luard LaVerne Ellis on December 19, 1957.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Luard LaVerne Ellis, father, Kenneth Kreitlow Sr, mother, Rhoda Kreitlow and brother, Kenneth Kreitlow Jr.
She is survived by sons Douglas Ellis of Grandview, MO; and Michael Ellis (Joanne) of Lee’s Summit, MO; daughters Sherri Beasley (Brett) of Pleasant Hill, MO; and Julie Ellis of Orlando, FL; five grandchildren, Amy Weixeldorfer (Fred); Chad Beasley (Abby); Erika Ellis; Stacia Cline; and Caleb Ellis; and five great-grandchildren; Brody Hill; Holden Smith; Max Beasley; Nash Weixeldorfer; and Huck Weixeldorfer.
