Salinas, CA

Misuzu “Missy“ Ellis (nee Hamanaka) passed away peacefully, at home, shortly after Christmas of 2024 with her family by her side. She was 98years old.

Missy was born in Otsu, Japan, the youngest of four children, and went to primary school and high school there. She attended Bunka Dressmaking School in Kyoto, acquiring sewing skills that she put to good use for the rest of her life. She also took courses at the Osaka Kinki Typing School, after which she began working as a secretary for the Tourist and Services Division of the American occupation forces in Kyoto. It was while working there she met her husband-to-be, Army Sgt. Ray Ellis, whom she married in 1951.

Missy traveled the world with her husband and family, living in Italy, Austria, Okinawa, Japan, and multiple stateside bases until Ray retired from military service, after which time they settled in Salinas.

She had an elegant reserve about her and was a sweet-natured person who was always ready with a smile. She loved spending time with her “girls.” Family gatherings would inevitably find mom and daughters gathered around the little kitchen table, talking and laughing -very often until everyone was tickled to tears!

Missy was preceded in death by her husband, Ray, who passed away in 1998. She is survived by her three daughters, Leslie Ellis, Teresa Sakasegawa (David Martin), Gerry Wiles (Mark Gingles); her grandsons Mike Sakasegawa and Karl Sakasegawa; her great-grandchildren, Jason, Eva, and Mary Sakasegawa; and several relatives still living in Japan.