Elsie Mae Cree

Elsie Mae Marquis Cree, age 91, passed peacefully on February 23, 2024, at Vintage Park of Paola.

Elsie was born to E.T. & Anna (Lime) Marquis on February 9, 1933, in Miami County. She attended Sunny Ridge Elementary School and graduated from LaCygne High School in 1951. After high school Elsie worked at Farmers Insurance in downtown Kansas City. Elsie then moved to the Paola area where she worked at the ASCS Office.

Elsie married Marvin Keith Cree on October 18, 1953, at the New Lancaster Methodist Church. Elsie and Keith became the proud parents to their two daughters, Brenda and Jody. Elsie became a stay-at-home mom until 1978, when she would begin her 19 year career with the Miami County District Court before retiring in 1997.

Elsie enjoyed traveling with family, taking bus trips, playing cards (especially pitch), and attending her family's activities and sports. She was known for her sugar cookies, strawberry jelly, homemade noodles and amazing dinners. Elsie was a 65-year member of the United Methodist Church and a proud member of the United Methodist Women’s where she made many fond memories working in the kitchen for dinners and activities.

Elsie was preceded in death by her husband Keith Cree, parents E.T. and Anna Marquis, daughter Brenda Prothe, son-in-law Ron Prothe, brother Wayne Marquis, and sister Beulah Miller.

Elsie is survived by her daughter Jody (Bob) Penn of Paola; five grandchildren, Erin Johnson (Josh), Whitney (Presten) Petersen all of Kingwood TX and Tanner Prothe of Houston TX. Blake Penn of Paola, Grant Penn of Dalesville IN; six great- grandchildren, Katelyn D'Urso, Madison D’Urso, Olivia Johnson, Donovan Johnson, Walker Petersen, and Wyatt Petersen. She had many other relatives and friends including Vintage Park of Paola's staff and residents.

Memorials can be made to the Paola United Methodist Church or the Miami County Cancer Society.