Donna Joy (Adkinson/Sanders) Ellis, 95, of Helena formerly of Great Falls passed away October 1, 2018. She was born March 27, 1923 to Joseph and Mildred (Chapman) Adkinson in Elma, Washington.
Donna married Lynn A. Sanders February 27, 1939 who passed away on September 30, 1982. On July 1, 1988 she married Robert Ellis of Freston, MN. He also preceded her in death on January 4, 1994.
Donna taught piano and played in the Sanders Family Band events. She had worked for Safeway and Modern Equipment in Great Falls as well as Rucker’s Furniture in Helena. She was known for selling just about anything. She was the pianist and organist for 32 years for Baptist Temple in Great Falls and then Liberty Baptist Church in Helena.
She is survived by her daughters, Vicki Mee and Donna Joanne Lantz both of Helena; Lynda Hammel of Great Falls, Jamie Todd, Spring Creek NV, and Halley Maloney, Visalia, CA; 17 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren and 11 great-great grandchildren.
She was preceded I death by her daughter Deborah Matz on May 20, 1996 and grandson Christopher Maloney September 13, 2017.
Visitation will be at 10:00 am followed by the funeral at 11:00 am with graveside committal at 2:00 pm at Hillside Cemetery at Cascade, Montana. To offer condolences to the family, please visit www.helenafunerals.com
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sue willuams says
Sending our sympathy to you all. Always enjoyed your mom’s gift of music. What a blessing she was to many. Wad and Sue Williams – Great Falls
Roy Moreno says
Lit a candle in memory of Donna Joy Ellis