Dr. Davis W. Ellis

Davis W. Ellis M.D., 91, a longtime Rushville resident, passed away Wednesday, February 17, 2016 in RushMemorial Hospital. Dr. Ellis was born in Marion, IN on August 21, 1924 to the late Davis W., Sr. and Ellen E. (Erdmann) Ellis. He was a 1942 graduate of New Trier High School in Winnetka, IL. Dr. Ellis served in the U.S. Army A.S.T.P. Corp. from 1944-1946 and was a Regimental surgeon for the 151st Regimental Division of the Indiana National Guard from 1940-1950. He graduated from Indiana University Medical School in 1947. Dr. Ellis served his intership at St. Vincent Hospital and his externship at St. Frances Hospital in Indianapolis. After one year of practice with Eugene Boggs M.D. in Indianapolis he came to Rushville in August of 1949 to begin his family practice. He married Eleanor Ann (Petry) Dunn Ellis on March 25, 1985 and she survives. After retirement from private practice in 1985, Dr. Ellis became the administrator for the Indiana State Medicaid program until his retirement in 1994. He then served as the Rush County Health Officer from 1994-2009. He founded the National Health Services Corporation in Rush County which helped to recruit five physicians to the community. Dr. Ellis was Chief of Staff at Rush Memorial Hospital for several years, a trustee for the Indiana State Medical Association 6th District for eight years, a longtime member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church where he served in many capacities, one of which was co-chair of the building of the education building. He was a member of the Rushville Phoenix Lodge #62 F&AM, the Scottish Rite in Indianapolis, Rushville Rotary for over 30 years and a member of the Rushville B.P.O.E. #1307. Dr. Ellis was a founder of the J Cee's and active in the Rushville Chamber of Commerce. In his spare time, Dr. Ellis enjoyed working in his yard & flower beds. His true passion was sailing! In addition to his wife, Eleanor, of Rushville, Dr. Ellis is survived by sons, Joseph M. Ellis and wife Leslie of Bargersville, IN, Richard S. Ellis and wife Deena of Littleton, CO, stepsons, Bradley James Dunn and Karen Petrosky of Cincinnati, OH, Phillip Martin Dunn and wife Leslie of Cayce, SC, daughters, Debra Sue and husband Kent Fischvogt DDS of Columbus, IN, Lisa L. and husband Mark Koon of Kokomo, IN, step daughter, Nitsa and husband Jerry Cane of Fishers, IN, a sister, JoAnn Smullen & husband Richard of Santa Inez, CA, grandchildren, Scott & Amanda Ellis, Mark & Gina Ellis, Richard Davis Ellis, Robert Ellis, Michael Ellis, Kirsten (Ian) Russell, Derrick (Jenny) Bell and Mathew (Danelle) Bell, step grandchildren, Jonathan & Andrew James Dunn & Olivia Marilyn and Dennis Aaron Cane, 10 great grandchildren also survive. Dr. Ellis was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Martha Ellen Akers & a grandson, Joseph Ellis. A memorial service will be held at 1 PM Saturday, February 20, 2016 at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 426 N. Morgan St. in Rushville. Friends are welcome to visit at the church from 10 AM until time of service on Saturday. Pastor Jan Dimick will preside and private entombment will take place in East Hill Shrine Mausoleum. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Paul's United Methodist Church.

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Dr. Davis W. Ellis

August 21, 1924 - February 17, 2016