Barbara Sue Ellis

Barbara Sue Ellis passed away peacefully on March 23, 2025 after an extended battle with cancer. She was born on September 5, 1938 in Ft. Meade, Florida and was a lifelong resident of Polk County. She graduated from Lakeland High School class of 1956. She then attended Georgia Southern College and finished her BA degree while attending Florida Southern College. She then obtained her Masters Degree from the University of South Florida in 1981. She spent her entire career with Polk County Schools, first at as a teacher throughout several Junior and Senior High Schools within the District and then completed her career as a financial aid counselor for Ridge Vocational Technical School.

She was an avid collector of Barbie dolls and attended the Barbie Doll convention for 34 consecutive years. Upon retirement she spent her summers at her mountain cabin in Andrews, NC.

Sue is survived by her two sons, Greg (Susan) Ellis and Bobby (Corky) Ellis, two grandsons, Mitchell and Mason Ellis, and two great-grandchildren, Norah and Peyton Ellis and numerous cousins.

Because she wanted her body donated to science, a Celebration of Life service will be held at Lone Palm Golf Club, 800 Lone Palm Dr, Lakeland, FL 33815 on Wednesday April 16 from 1:00 – 4:00 pm. Please visit www.steelesfamilyfuneralservices.com to share your memories with the family. In lieu of flowers feel free to make a donation to any charity of your choice in her name. We would like to give a special thanks to her caregivers at Astoria Senior Living and for hospice services provided by Vitas Healthcare.