William F. 'Bill' Ellis

William F. 'Bill' Ellis

Nov. 14, 1940 - Jan. 31, 2014

BARTLEY, Nebraska -- William F. "Bill" Ellis of Bartley, age 73, died at Cambridge Memorial Hospital on Friday, Jan. 31, 2014.

He was born in Furnas County, Nebraska, north of Cambridge on the family farm on Nov. 14, 1940, to Fern Otto and Lucille (Culver) Ellis.

Bill attended school in Cambridge. In 1958, he entered the U.S. Army serving in Germany. While in the army, he served with Elvis Presley. He was discharged in 1961, upon his returned to farming. On Jan. 20, 1962, he was united in marriage to Jean Hummel, to this union three children were born: Lori, Sharon Jean and William E.

Bill was a member of the Heritage Antique Tractor Club. Bill restored John Deere tractors. He enjoyed his farm, cattle, going to parades with his tractors, APA pool league, and going to his grandchildren's school and athletic events.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Jean; an infant daughter, Sharon Jean; brother, Ralph Burton; and two sisters, Betty Dack and Patty Swanson.

He is survived by his daughter, Lori Ellis of McCook; son, Bill E. and wife, Julie of Bartley; three grandchildren, Brenton, Kaitlynne and Tyler, all of Bartley; nephew, Tim and wife, Mary Williams of Cambridge, Nebraska; and brother, Jim and wife, Carolyn of Cambridge.

Rosary will be recited at the Lockenour-Jones Mortuary on Wednesday Feb. 5, 2014, at 7:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be at St. Catherine's Catholic Church on Thursday, Feb.6, 2014, at 10:30 a.m. A graveside committal will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at the St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery in Cambridge. Military honors will be at graveside.

Friends may leave on-line condolences at lockenour.com. Memorials may be left in Bill's name at the Lockenour-Jones Mortuary.

Lockenour-Jones Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.