Anita (Reif) Ellison, 71, passed away Feb. 10, 2025, at Leisure Homestead, Stafford, Kan., after a long battle with cancer. She was born on Oct. 16, 1953, in Great Bend, Kan., to James and Laura (Debes) Reif. Anita married John Ellison; they later divorced.

Anita graduated from Hoisington High School, Barton Community College, and Friends University. She managed the Family Crisis Center for several years and then was the Program Coordinator at the Larned Juvenile Correctional Facility for 28 years. Most recently, she worked for Barton Community College in data entry. Anita was a member of Prince of Peace Parish at St. Patrick Catholic Church.

Survivors include two sons, Joel Ellison and wife Debbie of Silverthorne, Colo., and Chris Ellison of Great Bend; grandchildren, Lila, Logan, Matthew, and Sophie; sister, Marilyn Hitz of Hudson; and several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents; and brother, Donald J. Reif.

Cremation has taken place. Vigil service will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28, 2025, with Father Aneesh Parappanattu presiding, with Altar Society rosary at 4 p.m., and family receiving guests prior from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., all at Bryant Funeral Home. Private family inurnment will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial have been designated to the Family Crisis Center or Domus Pacis, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home

1425 Patton Road

Great Bend, KS  67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Feb. 22, 2025