OVERBROOK, Kan. – Ellen Kay Wallis, 83, passed away Monday, Aug. 17, 2026, at Stormont-Vail Hospital, Topeka, Kan. She was born June 21, 1943, in Holton, Kan., the daughter of Noel “Bill” Dickinson and Gene James.
Ellen grew up around Holton, graduating from Whiting High School in 1961. After college she moved to California and resided in Riverside for a number of years. She returned to Kansas and lived near Overbrook since 1978.
Ellen taught physical education and coached in California, and then became a special education teacher, earning a master’s degree. Throughout her time she was a homemaker, and as an accomplished pianist herself, she taught piano to many over the years.
On July 24, 1965, Ellen was united in marriage to Fonzell Wallis, in Romoland, Calif. To this union three children were born, Sally, Ann and Samuel.
Ellen was preceded in death by her husband, Fonzell, May 10, 2008; two of her children, Ann, in 1994, and Sam, in 2020; and her parents, Bill and Gene.
Ellen is survived by her daughter, Sally Lane and husband, Alex, of Derby, Kan.; brother, Jerry Dickinson, Holton; by her sister, Edith Davey of Canandaigua, New York; and her three grandchildren, Mason Lane, Reilly Lane and Isabel Wallis; other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 31, at Feltner Funeral Chapel, Lyndon. Burial will be in the Mayetta Cemetery. The family will receive friends 3-4:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 30, at the funeral chapel.
Memorial contributions can be made to the College of Education-KSU, sent in care of Feltner Funeral Home, 818 Topeka Ave, Lyndon, KS 66451. Condolences can be left at feltnerfuneralhome.com.
