Lillian Davis Ellis, 87, of Auburn and Hilton Head Island, S.C., died on Nov. 25, 2012, in Charlotte, N.C., with her family at her side. Lil was the wife of the late Lawrence R. Ellis, Jr. She was born in Auburn, the daughter of the late John and Anna Clark Davis. She attended Penn Hall Junior College and Syracuse University. At age 13, Lil began working at Stott and Davis Motor Express with her father, John Davis and uncle, William Stott. She eventually became president of both Stott and Davis and Stoda Corporation, the warehouse affiliate. Lil remained active in both companies for 73 years, until her death. Lil was an avid bridge, tennis and golf player. She was a lifelong member of Owasco Country Club, where she was six-time women's golf club champion. In 1984, she was the Cayuga County District Golf champion. She was a longtime member of the Syracuse Women's District Golf Association, member of the Zonta Club and Westminster Presbyterian Church. Lil had many friends. If you were her friend, you were her friend for life. Her cherished lifelong friendships included childhood friends, college friends, her Hilton Head friends and especially her friendships made during the years with her husband, Larry. Her life revolved around her family. She is survived by her sons, Lawrence R. Ellis III and his wife, Virginia, William C. Ellis and his wife, Johanna, and her daughter, Christine Ellis Kapakos and her husband, James. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Anderson Ellis, Joseph Ellis, Peter Kapakos, William Kapakos and Darcie Ellis. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 22, 2012, at Westminster Presbyterian Church. Lil will be buried in Fort Hill Cemetery, next to her husband, Larry. Brew Funeral Home, Auburn is in charge of the arrangements. Donations in Lil's memory may be made to the Lawrence R. Ellis Jr. Foundation. The foundation awards college scholarships to York, Maine High School students for outstanding athleticism and academic excellence, exemplified by her husband, Larry. Donations may be sent to the foundation at P.O. Box 9, Auburn, NY 13021, or a charity of one's own choosing.
