Anna Lou Rhodes Ellis, 84, died Feb. 25, 2015, at Hester Care. She was born Nov. 25, 1930, in Wynona, Okla., to Nathan and Lurinda (Clark) Rhodes. She was a graduate of Little River High School and received her Bachelors and Masters degrees from Emporia State University. She did graduate work at Temple University in Philadelphia, Arizona State University, and the University of Colorado. Anna moved to Hutchinson in 1953 and was an elementary school teacher in the Hutchinson School System for 39 years after previously teaching for 3 years in country schools. She retired after 42 years of teaching.

Anna was a member of First Baptist Church, a lifetime member of National Education Association, 50 year member of the Silver Leaf Chapter of the Order Eastern Star #464, Reno County Historical Society, Women's Civic Center, and enjoyed playing Bridge for many years. She married Calvin E. "Bus" Ellis on July 1, 1972, in Hutchinson. He died Feb. 18, 1999.

Survivors include: a stepson, Richard Ellis and wife Janet, Hutchinson; step-grandson, Corey Ellis, Ft. Worth, Texas; sisters, Martha Jo Abel and husband George, Hesston, and Geneva Wittorff, Derby; a niece; a nephew; and many great-nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and a nephew, Danny Hofer.
Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Monday, March 2, 2015, at Elliott Chapel with Pastor Tyler Vance presiding. Burial will be in Penwell-Gabel Cemetery and Mausoleum. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday at Elliott Mortuary. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.