Michael "Todd" Ellis

Michael “Todd” Ellis, 62, passed away on July 17, 2026, in Frankfort. He was born in Owenton, Kentucky, on August 9, 1963, to Lena Thornton Ellis and the late Philip Smith Ellis. Todd retired from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet after many years as a graphic designer.

Todd enjoyed life’s simple pleasures: fishing at Silver Lake; cheering on the UK Wildcats, the Cincinnati Reds, and the Cincinnati Bengals; chasing the mystery of Bigfoot; and keeping up with the weather forecast, especially tracking big snow storms. Those who knew him best describe him as one of the funniest people they’ve ever known, with the ability to turn an ordinary memory into a laugh-until-you-cry story. Above all, Todd cherished his friends and family, especially his grandson, Ezra. While he will be deeply missed, his family finds peace in imagining him casting a line once again with his beloved dad.

He is survived by his daughter, Julia (Matt) Sandifer; his grandson, Ezra Sandifer; his mother, Lena Ellis; his sisters, Philda (Jeff) Simpson and Karen Penn; as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who will miss him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Cheryl Ellis, and his father, Philip Ellis. His family takes some solace in knowing he has been reunited with those he loved most.

Funeral services will be held at Clark Legacy Center, Versailles Road, on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, beginning at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 9:30 a.m. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Serving as pallbearers will be Tim Hockensmith, Justin Penn, Tyler Penn, Jeremy Simpson, Jeff Simpson, and Matt Sandifer.