Louanna Ellis Robinson
Louanna Ellis Robinson, 85, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2016, in Salina, Kan. following a short illness.
She was the fourth child to Clyde and Charlotta (Piepmeier) Ellis and was born Aug. 1, 1930, on the family farm south of Appleton City, Mo.
She attended Appleton City Schools first through 12th grade. She met her future husband, Marlin Robinson, after he returned home from World War II, while he was living in Appleton City helping his brother run the weekly newspaper. They later married on May 15, 1948, in Clinton, Mo. This union was blessed with three children: Roger, Marlena and Creighton.
Louanna and Marlin continued to work in the printing business in Sedalia, Mo. and Topeka, Kan. They moved to Wilson, Kan. with their three children after purchasing the Wilson World where they printed the weekly paper from 1954 until 1974. After selling the paper, she and Marlin started the Wilson Ribbon Company in 1974 and continued to operate it until 1990. With their first oil well purchase in the mid 1980’s, Mar Lou Oil Company began, which was one of their numerous business ventures.
Louanna greatly enjoyed her family and her card clubs. She spent countless hours watching her children and grandchildren play and coach multiple sports. She served on numerous committees for the First Presbyterian Church as a longtime member, the Wilson State Bank board of directors and the Wilson Chamber of Commerce and made it her goal every year to sell the most tickets for the After Harvest Czech Festival. Together, Louanna and Marlin enjoyed traveled extensively around the world with their close friends.
Louanna is survived by two sons; Roger (Sandy) of Wilson and Creighton (Sharolyn) of Evanston, Wyo.; daughter Marlena (Ken) Kjelland, Temple, Texas; eight grandchildren: Casey Robinson, Bret and Kaci Nichols, Justin and Heather Robinson, Shawn Naegele, Matthew and Christopher Kjelland and eight great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Marlin, of 67 years on Oct. 14, 2015; her parents and three brothers: George, C.W. and Wade Ellis.
Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 15, at Foster Mortuary in Wilson with family receiving friends from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
A celebration of Louanna’s life will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 16, at the First Presbyterian Church in Wilson with Pastor Becki Stredney and Pastor Ron Lowery officiating. Interment will follow in the Wilson City Cemetery.
Memorials have been established with the First Presbyterian Church and may be sent in care of the funeral home P.O. Box 533, Wilson, Kan. 67490.
