Lavonia "Diane" Ellis, 84, of Romney, WV passed away at the Hampshire Healthcare Center in Romney, WV on Saturday May 2, 2026.

Born in Charlottesville VA, she was the daughter of the late Woodrow and Dorothy (Key) Via.  Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Claude Ellis, grand-daughter Bethany Ellis, sister Dorothy Lockhart and brother Woodrow Via Jr.

She was a homemaker where she spent a lot of her time cooking and caring for foster kids, as well as her own. She loved bingo, karaoke, and spending time with family and friends. She loved Christmas, crafting, country music and front porch sitting. Her favorite past time activity is making friends as she never met a stranger.

She is survived by sons, Kevin (Tina) of Shanks, WV, Henry (Julie) of Bluemont Va, daughter Karen (Mike) of Shanks, 11 grandchildren: Austin, Kelton, Allison, Wayne, Bubba, Jonathan, Jason, Jordan, Lexie, Felicia, and Desiree. Also by 10 great grandchildren: Izzy, Brantley, Laklynn, Claire, Grace, Walker, Roy, Audrey, Memoriee, and Xander and by 2 sisters; Donna Keefer (Larry) of Berryville, VA and Denona Madigan of Winchester, VA.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Hospice of the Panhandle, 330 Hospice Lane, Kearneysville, WV 25430, www.hospiceotp.org.

The family will hold a celebration of life at the Hampshire Center in the near future.

All arrangements are handled by McKee Funeral Home, Augusta, WV.