Ellen Shirley Duncan

A Funeral service for Ellen Shirley Duncan, 93, Lawrence, KS, will be held 10:00 AM, Saturday, August 23, 2025, at Warren-McElwain Mortuary with a visitation starting at 9:00 AM. Private family burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Lecompton, KS. Ellen passed away Friday, August 15, 2025, at Neuvant House in Lawrence.

Ellen was born March 11, 1932, in Topeka, KS, the daughter of Pearl and Irene (Holzle) Skinner.

She married John Howard Duncan in Topeka, KS in 1955 and he preceded her in death on September 30, 2022.

Survivors include her son, Douglas Alan (Dhon) Duncan, four grandchildren Korwyn (Kate Fasse) Duncan, Molly (Gabriel) Shaver, Katlyn (Adam) Pulley, Samuel Duncan and five great-grandchildren Jude, Max, Harrison, Caylee, and Natalie; Carla Duncan. She was very much loved and will be very much missed.

Ellen was also preceded in death by her son, James Howard Duncan, siblings, Kenneth Skinner, Verle Skinner, and Geraldine Skinner.

Throughout her life, Ellen was a friend, teacher, mentor, artist, builder, wife, mother, and inspiration to all those who were fortunate enough to know her. As a high school science teacher, she educated, but more importantly she interacted with many people in and out of school providing the guidance and support they needed. Ellen, with the loving support of her devoted husband Howard, always found time for others in the community even while providing for the special needs of her son Jim.

Memorial Contributions may be made in Ellen’s name to the Lecompton Historical Society and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary.