Anita Ellis

Anita Maguire Ellis, 72, passed away on October 28, 2024 in the presence of her family after a courageous and long battle with cancer. Born to Edward and Mary Kathryn Maguire on December 31, 1951, Anita was the youngest of eight children and also a twin. She described her childhood as imaginative and spent time singing in choir, sewing, and playing the guitar.

Anita was a devoted mother, loving and raising the six children she shared with her former spouse, William Kenneth Ellis. The home she created was filled with music, stories, and was rich in holiday traditions. She enjoyed lilacs and hummingbirds, called the beach her happy place, and tried her best to learn the piano and grow tomatoes in her garden.

Anita knew a life of service, love, and compassion. She worked tirelessly in food banks and whole-heartedly served within her church organizations. Family and friends often found comfort through her willingness to listen. A woman of remarkable strength and determination, she earned a second-degree black belt in traditional Tae Kwon Do and used her skills to teach self-defense classes, empowering and advocating for women in her community.

After working as a paraprofessional in underprivileged public schools for many years, Anita pursued and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education with honors. She inspired the young minds of 3rd-5th graders in the Manatee County School District in Bradenton, Florida.

Her faith was the cornerstone of her life. As a stalwart member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, her faith and resilience helped her triumph through the many trials she endured. She remained a dedicated disciple of Jesus Christ to her last breath.

Anita is survived by her six children: Melanie (Jeff) Sedalnick, Stephen (Suzanne) Ellis, Kathryn (Stephen) Mandelin, Valerie (Joseph) Staker, Tiffany (Richard) Veasey, and Deborah (Zachary) Tanner. She was known as “Grammy” to her 23 grandchildren and two great grandchildren.She enjoyed annual reunions with her siblings: Theresa, Patricia, Mary Claire, Regina, James, Kathryn, and Rita. Her family was her greatest joy and she cherished the moments she shared with them.

Anita's legacy of kindness, generosity, and unwavering faith will continue to inspire those whose lives she touched. She will be deeply missed but always and forever remembered. In accordance with her wishes, there will be no formal funeral services. A celebration of life will be held at a later date for friends and family to pay their respects.