After a long struggle with an autoimmune disease, Leah Faye Ellis, passed away Sunday, July 26, 2009, at Aurora Medical Center surrounded by her family.

Leah was born in Oshkosh on April 6, 1948, to Werner and Irene (Pugh) Otto. Leah attended Oshkosh schools, participating in chorus and playing piano for choirs in high school before graduating in 1966. She married Jim Ellis on March 1, 1969, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Oshkosh. Jim and Leah lived in Ripon before they moved to their current home in the Town of Nepeuskun.

Leah worked at M & I Bank and Valley Bank for several years. In her spare time, she enjoyed playing piano for Eureka United Methodist Church and for the Berlin Senior Singers. Leah was the treasurer for the Town of Nepeuskun and her church until her health made it impossible for her to continue her duties in 2007.

Leah will be sorely missed by her husband; her daughter, Angie (Jim) Newell and their daughter, Trisha; her daughter, Teri and her son, Drew. Leah leaves behind two siblings, Frank (Sue) Otto and Cindy (Jim) Luethy; three brothers in law, Tom (Donna) Ellis, Ray (Lila) Ellis, and Elt (Elaine) Wegner, along with several nieces and nephews and other extended family. Leah was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Irene; her parents in law; one brother in law, Claude; and one sister in law, Patsy Wegner.

The family would like to thank the following people: Dr. Jack Tisinai for his support and expertise, the staff at Omro Care Center for their care and compassion, the staff at Aurora Medical Center for treating Leah with the dignity and respect she deserved.

Visitation will be held at the funeral home in Omro on Tuesday, July 28, 2009, from 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M., and on Wednesday, July 29, from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the service at 11:00 A.M. with Pastor Neil Wilson and Pastor Don Olm officiating. Burial will be at the Waukau Cemetery.