Melissa Jo "Missy" Ells, 52, passed away surrounded by her family on Saturday, February 24, 2018, at her sister's house after a courageous fight with breast cancer.  Missy was born October 26, 1965, in Warren, PA, to the late Harlan and Rita (Holt) Hill.

Missy lived most of her life in Lander, PA, and graduated from Eisenhower High School in 1983.  She was employed as a medical secretary for the past 21 years by Jamestown Area Medical Associates, most recently by Dr. John LaMancuso, whom she felt honored and privileged to work for.  She worked with a great group of people who were not only wonderful co-workers but became close friends.  Missy was an avid reader since childhood.  She mostly enjoyed spending time with family, playing cards, bonfires and listening to classic 70's rock.  She loved doing craft projects of all types, especially painting and was a very talented artist.

She is survived by her son, Matthew Ells, and wife, Annika, and daughter, Nikeah Ells, both of Lander, PA; four sisters, Katie Baker, and husband, Duane, of Lander, PA, Anita "Charlie" Beggs, and husband, Scott, of Montana, Lisa Burton, of Warren, PA, and Wendy Young, and husband, Ed, of Florida; one brother, Nathan Kanarr, of Arizona; as well as many loved nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Missy attended Praise Fellowship Church (7451 Market Street, Russell, PA), where friends will be received on Thursday, March, 1, from 4 to 7 p.m. A memorial service will be held there on Friday, March 2, at 11 a.m., with Rev. Rick Rohlin, pastor, officiating.

In lieu of flowers those wishing to make a memorial contribution should consider the Lander Volunteer Fire Department, 4400 Miller Hill Road, Russell, PA 16345; Hospice of Warren County, 1 Main Ave, Warren, PA 16365; or Ronald McDonald House of Buffalo NY, 750 W. Ferry St., Buffalo, NY 14222.