Elissa W. Davis

Elissa W. Davis, beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend, passed away unexpectedly on August 17, 2023, in Hanover, KS. She was born on March 11, 1986, in Beatrice, NE, to David and Lisa (DeBoer) Schotte.

Visitation with the family present was Friday, August 25, from 5-7 p.m., at the Hanover Mortuary.

A funeral service was held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, August 26, at Zion Lutheran Church in Hanover, KS.

Elissa was baptized into the Lutheran Faith on April 13, 1986, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Diller, NE. Her aunts, Deb & Lynette served as her sponsors. Both witnessed her love and faith in God. She Confirmed her faith on April 16th, 2002, at Zion Lutheran Church, Hanover KS. She chose Isaiah 40:31 as her verse. She wrote “In the future I know there will be times of worry and pain, but I intend to keep my faith and stay strong with the help of God”. At almost 3 years old she chose the “Ascension of Jesus” to be a stained-glass memorial window at St. Paul’s church. She said, “Jesus was going to be with Grandpa Alfred in heaven.”

Elissa cherished every moment spent with her family. She was a loving wife and best friend to Jimmy. He was her strength and comfort, and with her to the end. She was a devoted mother to their five beautiful children: Kaydence, Shaylee, Layla, Raygen and Payton. Elissa's love for her family knew no bounds; they were the light of her life. Attending her children's activities or watching online was a source of immense pride and happiness for Elissa, cherishing each and every milestone crossed. Her strong voice was a clear indicator of that pride. She cheered on KU basketball with Jimmy and Husker football with her mom and brother.

Elissa had an unwavering passion for nursing. Throughout her career, she touched the lives of countless individuals with her compassionate care and dedication. She became a registered nurse and later served as the Director of Nursing at Fall City Nursing and Rehab.

God has a purpose for everyone, and Elissa's was helping others, which could be seen at a young age. Whether it was a backrub for Grandma Adalaide or the constant phone calls and trips to Diller to make sure Grandma Judy had someone to talk to. She cared for and carried Preston when the “great bike wreck” happened. The well-being of others always came first for Elissa which made her a wonderful nurse. She was able to bring care and comfort to many of her and Jimmy’s family members. It brought her great joy and love serving them. In her preschool  “What I want to be” book she said “doctor.”

Her educational journey began at Hanover High School, where she graduated with the class of 2004. She pursued further education at Doane University, Kansas State University, Cloud Community College and Southeast Community College. Through her academic pursuits, Elissa honed her skills and expanded her understanding of nursing practices.

Elissa had many interests that brought joy to her life outside of work and home. She enjoyed fishing trips that allowed her to connect with nature while finding solace in its tranquility. In the same preschool book, “What I like most about Dad” she quoted “he takes me fishing.” Elissa was passionate about animals and wildlife, over the years rescuing cats, dogs, squirrels, a raccoon, plus many frogs, 61 tadpoles and snakes. She spent her younger years hunting with her dad and brother for deer, coyotes, doves and turkey. She shared the joy of flowers with her mom, but most of all, together they deeply cherished the love of the girls she brought into this world, who will continue her legacy, grow in their own faith and live forever in her memory. She held many beloved family memories close, like sharing Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups with her Grandpa Norbert after school. Softball games brought out Elissa's competitive spirit as she played alongside friends and created lasting memories with the Clay Center B’s. She was awarded Basketball Academic All-State and 1 rating for State Music Vocals. A talent for baking delighted those lucky enough to taste her creations, and her melodic singing voice captivated the hearts of all who listened. Elissa had an exuberant laugh that would catch your attention, as would her smile. She spent hours looking for four-leaf clovers at her Grandma Judy’s and wherever else they may grow. The calla lily was her favorite flower and she loved Grandma Judy’s orange salad. She cherished family dinners with the Atkins family.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents: Norbert and Adelaide Schotte and Alfred and Judy DeBoer. Father-in-law James “Jimbo” F Davis. She felt the joy and pain of each patient she cared for that left this world.

Survivors include her husband, James W. Davis; children, Shaylee Schotte, Kaydence Schotte, Layla Davis, Raygen Davis and Payton Davis, all of Hanover; parents, David and Lisa Schotte, Hanover; brother, Preston & Sarah Schotte, Manhattan; mother-in-law; Susie Davis; brother and sisters-in-law, Lance & Tina Davis, Sarah & Brian Hormann, Kimberly Davis and Tiffany & Andrew Watt; nieces and nephews, Katelyn, Jonathon, Deavon, Drake, Lili, Violet, Henry, Cooper, Elliot, Graham & Jack; aunts & uncles; Don & Lynette Berry, Leann & Cody Shrottberger, Marcia &  Albert Sherman, Toni & Dave Licht, Bobby Schotte, Gary & Deb Dwerlkotte, Greg & Mary Lou Davis, Ed Davis, Elizabeth “Sugar” Davis, Jan Davis, Rick & Amy Bishop, Terry & Karla Bishop, Don & Kelly Bishop; friend, Teresa Atkins; and all of her other family members and friends who mourn her loss. May you find comfort in the cherished memories you shared with Elissa and may you find strength in the support of your loved ones during this difficult period.

The Davis Family Fund has been established and contributions may be left at Citizens State Bank in Hanover or sent in care of the Hanover Mortuary.