Jane Ellis, age 85, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on October 25, 2025. She was a resident of Colorado Springs. Her town (as she called it) and Pikes Peak brought her constant peace and solace. When she retired from the newspaper business, she found purpose, pride, and friendship in her Villa de Mesa community, where she served on the HOA board for many years.
Jane was born on April 29, 1940, to William “Bill” Solomon Gilmere and Esther Margerine (Reese) Gilmere in Brookfield, Missouri. She graduated from Colorado Springs High School, now known as William J. Palmer High School, in 1958. Jane married Robert “Bob” Lee Ellis on January 25, 1958, in Colorado Springs.
Jane or “Miss Jane”, as Bob called her, was an advertising director, a mentor to many entering the advertising field, and an advocate for Women’s Affairs, Veterans Affairs, the El Pomar Foundation, and Native American schools. She was an artist, a lover of the mountains in Colorado, all things San Diego (El Cajon), and road trips. As her children, we would also like to say, “She was the coolest mom ever!”
Jane is survived by her son, Robert “Bobby” Lee Ellis, Jr. and wife, Claire; her daughter, Deborah “Debbie” Jane Elges and husband, John; and her daughter, Sandra “Sandy” Kay Pipkin. She leaves behind grandchildren: Jessica (Joel) Standeford, William (Joe) Ellis, Sarah Ellis, Haley (Austin) Inscho, Michael (Merry) Elges, Nicholas Elges, Thomas Elges, and Elizabeth (Peter) Krutz; and great-grandchildren: Judah, Elijah, Lucian, Leela, Bishop, Kaiden, and Mia. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 58 years, Bob Ellis; her granddaughter, Katy Jane Elges; and her parents, Bill and Esther Gilmere.
A service will be held on November 7, 2025, at 1:00 PM, with arrival beginning at 12:30 PM at the Shrine of Remembrance, 1730 East Fountain Boulevard, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80910. A reception will follow the service at the Colorado Mountain Brewery Roundhouse Location, 600 21st Street, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80904, from 2:30 PM to 4:15 PM. Food and beverages will be provided.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m glad I got to visit with her last summer when she visited her grandkids and great grandkids in Missouri, I hadn’t seen her since I was a child and visited Colorado in the 80’s. She was always kind and welcoming. Sending love to you in CO and MO.
My heart goes out to you and your family Sandy. No words may express how deeply sorry I feel for the loss of your dear mama
Hugs, Stephanie Napier
Dear Debbie, Sandy and Bobby;
This is a great picture of your Mom, Jane, and makes me smile with fond memories of her as a friend and neighbor.
While we ALL grieve from loss with you and those who are able to attend the service this Friday, please remember and know that I am there in spirit and joy of having had that opportunity to share some of her life, time, ambitions and past career challenges, uniquely with me. When calling her about some item, she always made me laugh when apologizing for ‘long stories’ because she would say she only had the cat to talk to. I understood with a broad smile.
Our mutual Friend, Ms Lana Wright, has developed a history of Jane’s efforts and their collective work to improve the Community which is a great blessing to VDM to be shared Friday representing Jane’s strong dedication and selfless effort to VDM improvements, always a goal of hers. Thank you, Lana, for this which can be presented and appreciated. Prior commitment prevents me from this Friday’s celebration of Jane’s life in COS, and that remembrance of her will continue to be an influence in my life. Celebrate and be joyfull for Jane having been with us for awhile.
Sandy please accept our deepest condolences to you your sister and brother. Your Mom was a beautiful soul. She always had a smile and something nice to say. I will be standing beside you tomorrow in spirit. May God hold you close and give you all comfort. We love you so very much. Feel my hugs to you . xoxo