Kathleen M. Ellis

Kathleen Marie Ellis passed away on Sunday, July 27, 2025. She was born on July 16, 1949 in Stoughton, WI. She was the second child born to Gilbert and Lavonne (Knutson) Larsen. First-born was her brother, Dan, followed by David, Dennis, Doug, and sister Doreen. She grew up in Stoughton and was a 1968 graduate of Stoughton High School. Days after graduation, she began a 36 year career with the city of Madison.

On July 25, 1970, Kathy married her high-school sweetheart, Steve Ellis, and they most recently celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary. In June of 1980, Kathy gave birth to their son, Ben. Kathy retired in July of 2004, and Steve and Kathy moved to Westfield, WI. In 2021, they moved to Harmony Grove to be closer to Ben, daughter-in-law Tracy, and grandson Shaun.

Kathy loved all animals. Throughout their life together, they were blessed with many pets. Their first was a long-haired dachshund named Dan, followed by dogs Whiskers, Carly, Norman, and Buster. Their only cat was named Bobby who had been abandoned at their rural Westfield home. Steven and Kathy took Bobby in, and he and Buster became the best of friends. They travelled to the winter home in LaFeria, TX for over 15 winters, and Buster even went with them on their 9000 mile trip to Alaska in 2005.

Steve and Kathy also extended their travels to three Caribbean cruises. Twice they went on the SS Norway and once on a Disney cruise line with Ben and their niece Lisa. During the winters in south Texas, they were able to make friends from all over the United States, and many “happy hours” were enjoyed by all at their RV site.

Friends and family will gather from 1-4:00 PM on Sunday, August 10, 2025 at The Otis Sampson American Legion Post 59, 803 N. Page St., Stoughton, WI 53589. Memorials are appreciated to Agrace Hospice Care. 

Steve and his family wish to thank both Sienna Crest of Lodi and Agrace Hospice Care for all their compassion for Kathy while she was in their care.

Cress Funeral Service

206 W. Prospect St., Stoughton, WI 53589

608-873-9244