Suzanne E. Ellis, 86, State Center
Suzanne E. Ellis, 86, of State Center, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at UPH-Marshalltown Hospital.
Suzanne Eileen (Hilleman) Ellis was born on December 26, 1939, in State Center, Iowa, to Arnold “Arnie” and Wilma Jean (Fettkether) Hilleman. Susie attended State Center High School and graduated with the Class of 1958. After graduation, she worked in the purchasing department at Fisher Controls for two years.
On October 29, 1960, she married the love of her life, James “Jim” Ellis in State Center, Iowa. They made their home just outside State Center where they farmed together and raised their two boys, Tracy and Scott. They were married for 41 years until Jim passed away May 14, 2002.
After retirement Suzanne served for several years as the organizer of the State Center Farmer’s Market which was held every Friday evening throughout the summer. Suzanne was a faithful member of St. Paul Lutheran Church. She enjoyed planting flowers each spring and she loved birdwatching; she kept birdhouses in every tree and placed a birdbath near the river birch tree she planted in Jim’s honor. Suzanne loved to find bargains at Menards and hand them out to her kids at each visit. She especially loved shopping for clothes, shoes, and accessories for her beloved granddaughter, Brooke. Suzanne loved spending time with friends and family, her table was filled with delicious food, cookies, fudge, peanut brittle, and banana bread. She always sent along sweet treats for the trip home.
Suzanne is survived by her two sons, Tracy Ellis of Cockeysville, Maryland, and Scott (Roxanne) Ellis of West Fargo, North Dakota; her granddaughter, Brooke Ellis; her siblings, John Hilleman of Marshalltown, Sharen (Larry) Benander of rural Marshalltown, and Shirley (Chuck) Ballard of rural McCallsburg; and many nieces and nephews.
Susie was preceded in death by her husband, James “Jim” Ellis; her parents, Arnold “Arnie” and Wilma Jean Hilleman; her sister, Annette “Ann” Hilleman; her father and mother-in-law, Howard and Lois (Cooper) Ellis; and her sisters-in-law, Vivian Hilleman and Sherrill Foote; and brother-in-law, James McKay.
Per the wishes of Susie and her family, cremation rites have been accorded. A graveside service will be held June 12 at 2:00 pm at Hillside Cemetery in State Center. The family invites you to join them for refreshments at the Mitchel Family Funeral Home, 104 West Main Street, State Center, immediately following the service. Memorials in her name may be directed to St. Paul Lutheran Church or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. Mitchell Family Funeral Home of Marshalltown has been entrusted with Suzanne’s care. Memories and online condolences may be shared at www.mitchellfh.com. Phone: 641-844-1234.
- Lovingly written by the family
