Juanita Marleen Ellington, 85, of Sabetha died unexpectedly at the Sabetha Manor on Sunday, August 28, 2016.  

Juanita was born on October 30, 1930 in Phoenix, Arizona to Leva Roundtree and William Ambrose Hays.  She attended Sabetha School up to the 8th grade.  She married James Ellington on August 18, 1952 in Seneca, Kansas.  She then over the years welcomed children into her home by babysitting.  She loved children and was unable to conceive any of her own, so she pursued her goals by helping others raise their children.

Juanita was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, James Ellington; five sisters, Mildred Penegraph, Mayetta Lane, Mary Frances Floyd, Roberta English and Lucille Moore; and a brother, William Hays.

Juanita is survived by a brother, Clarence Hays of Sabetha; a sister, Betty Jo Gillum of Atchison, Kansas, and six nephews, five nieces and many great nephews and nieces.

A Memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 3, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the Popkess Mortuary Chapel in Sabetha. There will be a reception to follow at the Sabetha Community Building.  Inurnment will be made in the Sabetha Cemetery.  

Memorial contributions may be made to the Caring Neighbors Cancer Fund, sent in care of Popkess Mortuary 823 Virginia Sabetha, Kansas  66534.  www.popkessmortuaries.com