Frances Carolyne Ellis, 99, of Lexington, Nebraska passed away on July 16, 2026, at The Lighthouse long-term care facility in Omaha, Nebraska. Her daughter and son were by her side.

She was born on December 8,1926 in a farmhouse outside of Wilcox, Nebraska to Fred William Amen and Edith Anna (Peterson) Amen. One of three children, Frances grew up on the farm and attended public school in Ragan, Nebraska where she graduated with the class of 1944. She went on to attend Nebraska State Teachers College at Kearney, Nebraska (now the University of Nebraska at Kearney) and received a B.A. in Education in 1948. Following graduation she started her teaching career in Holbrook, Nebraska where she met her future husband Robert Dale Ellis. Frances and Robert were married August 8,1954 in Ragan, Nebraska and welcomed two children: Nancy and Jim.

Frances taught at several public schools in central Nebraska including Aurora, Axtell, Cozad and ultimately Lexington where the family settled and she spent most of her life. In Lexington she spent most of her teaching career in the middle school where she taught English and Typing.

Frances was known for her adventurous spirit and sense of humor. During her life she was active in numerous organizations including Soroptimists, Delta Kappa Gamma and the Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO) among many others. Having grown up during the depression she recognized how critical education was to her life and even after a long teaching career continued to tutor children well into her retirement. She was active in her local church – First United Methodist Church – and served on numerous church committees. Frances was on the founding advisory committee for the development of the local YMCA, of which she took great pride.

She grew up a self-described “tom boy” and throughout her life attended and participated in all forms of sporting activities. In retirement she grew to love the game of golf and spent many happy hours playing and of course socializing at Lakeside Country Club with her golfing friends. She later travelled to Scottland to visit and play at the St. Andrews Golf Club. Sports provided an opportunity for Frances to spend time with her family. She attended many University of Nebraska sporting events with her children, grandchildren and friends. She loved baseball including the College World Series in Omaha and travelled with her son to see major league baseball games in multiple cities. She also attended the 1993 NCAA Basketball Final Four in New Orleans with a friend from Lexington, where they had many adventures.

After growing up on the farm she developed a lifelong fondness for animals. Throughout her life the house always had multiple pets; dogs, cats, birds, fish etc. Pets brought her great happiness and will continue to be the source of fond memories for her family and friends.

Frances is survived by her son Jim Ellis of Minneapolis, Minnesota and daughter Nancy Rice and husband Greg of Omaha, Nebraska; grandchildren Katharine (Rice) Kowal and her husband Chris of Omaha and Rebecca (Rice) Thomas and her husband Kevin of San Francisco, California; great-grandchildren Quinn, Christopher and Claire Kowal of Omaha.

Frances was preceded in death by her parents, husband Robert, sister Mary W. (Amen) Ericson and brother John W. Amen.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 30, 2026, from 5-7 p.m. at Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, July 31, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Lexington with Reverend Venedith Vargas officiating.

There will be a reception to follow the service at Mac's Creek Winery & Brewery from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Graveside Services will be held prior to the Memorial Service at 9:30 a.m. at Greenwood Cemetery in Lexington.

Memorials are kindly suggested to the First United Methodist Church of Lexington or to your local animal shelter or humane society.

Reynolds- Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com