Mariquit "Kit" Ellis

     Mariquit “Kit” Ellis, born on October 2, 1946, in Batangas City, Philippines, peacefully passed away at 12:45 AM on March 17, 2026, in Kearney, Nebraska, at the age of 79. The daughter of Felix and Aurora Panopio, Kit valued education deeply and earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Management in 1964 at the age of 18.

     At 19, Kit embarked on her first airplane journey to work in Vietnam, exemplifying her adventurous spirit and strong work ethic. Her career took her across the globe, and during her time in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, she met Keith E. Ellis. They married on February 14, 1972, in Manila, Philippines.

     In 1972, Kit became a United States citizen and, together with Keith, established their home in Stratton, Nebraska. Their shared dedication to work and passion for travel allowed them to explore much of the United States and numerous international destinations.

     Kit was a successful businesswoman, owning two insurance agencies, and was well remembered in Stratton and surrounding communities for operating the local bar and restaurant from 1972 to 1991. A lifelong member of the Catholic Church, she regularly attended Mass at St. James Catholic Church in Trenton. Kit and Keith were active members of the Eagles Club in McCook.

     Known for her involvement in various recreational activities, Kit participated in many bowling leagues and was a semi-professional shuffleboard player in her youth. She also enjoyed bingo and gambling, frequently traveling to Nevada with family and friends.

     Mariquit “Kit” Ellis leaves behind a legacy of dedication, community involvement, and adventurous spirit that will be fondly remembered by all who knew her.

     She was preceded in death by her husband, Keith “Pike” Ellis; parents, Felix and Aurora Panopio; brother-in-law, Andrew Wise; brother, Alfonso Panopio; sister-in-law, Corvazon Panopio; and brother, Romulo Panopio.

     She is survived by her son, Duster Ellis of Papillion, Nebraska; sister, Pauline Panopio Wise; sister, Anna Liza Panopio Aratea; brother-in-law, Ceferino Aratea (USN CPO); sister, Christine Panopio Lansang; brother-in-law, Romeo Lansang; sister, Rosa Maria Panopio Wallace; brother-in-law, Steven James Wallace; brother, Paul Panopio; nieces and nephews: Carolyn Panopio Cunanan, Charlotte Panopio Zafra, Catherine Panopio Lewis, Steven Michael Wallace, Kristina Jaime Lansang, Christian Romeo Lansang, Christopher Jun Aratea, Carl Jei Aratea, and Cezil Josh Aratea.

     A Rosary will be recited at 7:00 PM on Monday, March 23, 2026 at St. James Catholic Church in Trenton.

     Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for 10:00 AM on Tuesday morning, March 24, 2026 at St. James Catholic Church in Trenton. Burial in Rose Hill Cemetery in Stratton will follow services.

     Online condolences may be left at herrmannfh.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel of McCook.