03/13/2018
Wyoma Louise (Anderson) Ellis was born on November 19, 1923 in rural Marion County, Iowa. She was the ninth of ten children born to Edgar Gerome Anderson and Hettie Jane (Towne) Anderson.
Wyoma attended country grade school completing 8th grade. She then attended Knoxville High School, in Knoxville, Iowa, and completed her G.E.D. through Indian Hills College in Ottumwa, Iowa.
Wyoma was united in marriage with Harold Vernon Ellis of rural Bussey, Iowa on March 7, 1942 in Lancaster, Missouri. To this union six children were born; Harold Vernon, Jr., Betty LouVern, Carolyn June, Judy Marie, David Dewayne and Sheri Renee.
Wyoma was a typical farm housewife raising her children and taking care of the many duties, as required during her early years.
The couple moved to Knoxville after retiring from farm life and she began working outside the home to keep her active and social. She worked at the Knoxville Community Hospitals for 13 years, the Knoxville Journal Express for four years, and Adventureland for six years. She enjoyed fishing, dancing, traveling (especially to the Holy Land), ceramics club, the Red Hat Society and the Knoxville Senior Center.
Her retirement years were spent visiting with family and friends. She wintered in Mission, Texas after the death of her husband in 1988.
It was during this time that Wyoma found much fulfillment in her life by becoming very socially active and blossomed into a new adventurous person.
Wyoma was a member of the Disciples Church of Christ Christian Church in Knoxville and the Church of the Nazarene in Bussey, Iowa.
Wyoma passed away on Tuesday, March 13, 2018, at Accura Healthcare of Knoxville at the age of 94 years, three months and 14 days.
Wyoma is survived by her daughters: Betty L. Beary of Newton, IA; Carolyn J. Burk of Monroe, IA; Judy M. Sailors of Knoxville, IA and Sheri R. Goldin of Fort Valley, GA.; four grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, her special friend, Clifford Bacon, and a large extended family.
She was preceded in death by her husband Harold; her two sons, Harold Vernon Ellis Jr., who died in infancy, and David Dewayne Ellis; one granddaughter, Kelley Anne Beary; two sons-in-law, Robert L. Burk and Michael Jerome Beary; her parents; eight sisters: Pearl Reynolds, Corda Hooley, Rena Lloyd, Juanita Showers, Fern Franklin, Opal Smith, Ruth Gibbons, Arlene Putney and one brother, Ivan Anderson.
Wyoma will be remembered for her humble and caring spirit, courageous stamina and positive outlook.
Her life has been lived in total fulfillment. Funeral services were held on Saturday, March 17, at the Williams Funeral Home in Knoxville.
Memorials may be given for Twin Cedars Dollars for Scholars.