Judith Melinda (Simpson) Ellis, age 86 of Kirksville passed away peacefully Thursday afternoon (February 5th 2026) at The Arbors Senior Living Center.

She was born in Kirksville on June 9th 1939, the daughter of Henry Green Simpson and Geneva Juanita Wrinkle Simpson. She was united in marriage to Richard Riley Ellis on December 21st 1958, at First Baptist Church in Kirksville.

Judith is survived by her daughter Melinda and husband Tod Engle of Champaign, IL; two sons Richard and wife Larinda Ellis of Kirksville, Stephen and wife Melissa Ellis of Kirksville; one sister Mary Ellen Simpson of St. Charles, MO; 6 grandchildren, Whitney and husband Geno Ruggles, Alexandra and husband Morgan Brubaker, Zakary Engle, Stacie and husband Justin Bevill, Sara and husband Lance VanLoo, Madalyn and husband Ryan Fehr; and 5 great grandchildren, Ryker and Adler Bevill, Genevieve and Whitaker Ruggles, and Lakelyn VanLoo.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Richard Riley Ellis, and brother Henry Simpson and sister in law Betty Simpson of Exeter, CA.

Judie was a lifelong resident of Kirksville, and graduated from Kirksville Senior High School in 1957. She attended Christian College ( Now Columbia College) in Columbia, MO, then completed her degree at Northeast Missouri Teachers College (Now Truman State) in Kirksville.

She taught 4th grade at Greenwood Elementary School and several years at the Developmental Disability Center in Kirksville. She and Richard also owned The Attic, a local Antique shop in Kirksville.

Judie was a member of PEO chapter CZ for more than 50 years, served as President of Sojourners Club, and a member of Saddle Club in Kirksville. She was a talented vocalist and a member of the First Baptist Church choir, Senior Songsters and Community Choir. Judie was a member of several bridge clubs, and a member of a women's stock club.

She was a lifelong member of First Baptist church where she was baptized at 9 years old. She always enjoyed spending time with family and friends, singing and playing the piano. She was an avid reader, and liked working in her yard, decorating her home, and especially loved being “Baba” to her grandkids.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. with Pastor Jason Marlin officiating. Interment will follow at the Maple Hills Cemetery in Kirksville.

Visitation will be Tuesday, February 10, 2026 from 12:00 until service time at Travis- Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville

Memorials in memory of Judie may be made to the First Baptist Church of Kirksville. Donations may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.