Graveside services for Maryann Ellis will be held at 12:00 PM, Thursday, September 5, 2024, at the Catholic Church of Assumption of The Blessed Virgin Mary Cemetery, Kenel, South Dakota. The Family will have an escort to the Cemetery from Kesling Funeral Home at 11:00 am where Traditional Services will be held by her Brother Mike Little Bear.

Maryann Ellis was born as Marian Sac on Feb 7, 1953, to Alma (Sac) Little Bear. Due to unforeseen circumstances, Alma made the difficult and loving decision to place her little girl up for adoption. Her adoptive parents, (Donald) Fritz and Penelope Miller welcomed her with open arms and named her Mary Ann Miller. Her adoption was finalized on March 22, 1960. She was their 1st daughter followed by surviving sisters, Linda Miller-Hansen (Jay), Dawn Hawthorne (Linc) and Lael Griffiths (Scott).

They were raised in Bothell, WA. In 1969 Maryann competed in the Miss Bothell, although she didn't win the title, she won Miss Congeniality. She graduated from Inglemoor High School in 1971. She attended Highline Community College. Maryann went on to become a King County 911 operator for over 10 years. She decided she wanted less stress so she went back to school to become a car mechanic.

She met the love of her life, Dennis Ellis, in 1997. They married on March 20, 1999. She was preceded in death by her adoptive grandparents Virginia and Charles Miller, Blanche and John Scheirbeck, her adoptive mom Penny Miller and her biological mom Alma Little Bear. She is survived by her dad (Donald) Fritz Miller, sisters Linda, Dawn and Lael. Nephews Aaron Meek and Patrick Meek (Dawn), nieces Jessie Hansen (Linda), Crystal, Kena Hayes and Lacy Lazo (Lael) and her stepsons Mike Contreras (Nelanie) and Devin Ellis (Angeleena), 5 grandchildren and 10 great nephews and nieces.

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Early 1980 Iris Bower (Cousin to Maryann) contacted Alma Little Bear by phone call regarding Maryann was located her in Washington State. Alma agreed to go there and meet Maryann in person. They had long discussions and continued with mail, phone calls and visits.

Our Beloved Sister Maryann kept in touch with her biological Brother's and Sister's calling with the happenings of our lives, she would send us Birthday gifts, she would come during summer months for the Powwows. Our Mother was young when she gave birth to Maryann, this a very heart-breaking decision to make. She had a beautiful life until she became an Angel December 2023

Maryann Miller-Ellis is survived by Brother's Michael Little Bear Kenel SD, Kevin (Lorraine) Little Bear Fort Yates, ND, Conrad (Sheila) Little Bear, Rapid City, SD. Gerard Little Bear Kenel. SD. Iris (Barkley) Little Bear-Payer Winnebago Nebraska.

Cousins Iris (Gary) Bower, Az George Sac, Wa, Ramond (Marie) Harrison, Nv, John (Nina) Reilly, Or, June Szczur, ND. Alvina Martin, SD, Melda Crow Feather, SD, Montclaire Family, White Bull Family. Kathy Goodiron SD, Keith and Bernard Goodiron ND.

Several Nieces Alycia, Misty, Tamika, Venus, Miranda, Mary, Nedda, Jessica and Ann.

Several Nephews Terrell, Vegas, Shilo and Dylan.

Several Grandchildren (20)

She is preceded by Biological Mother Alma Little Bear, Father Melvin Looking Elk, Grandparents John and Martina Sac. Brother Shawn Little Bear. Sisters Lori and Jeannie Little Bear, Nephew Jan. Cousin Kathy.

She has her family that went on, in heaven waiting for her!