Alice May "Gypsy" Badders

Alice May “Gypsy” (Breithaupt) Badders passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at the Olathe Health Hospice House in Olathe, Kansas. Born on February 3, 1930, on a farm just south of Edgerton, Kansas, Alice was the beloved daughter of Alvin Frederick and May Viola (Brecheisen) Breithaupt. She spent her formative years in the Wellsville area and graduated with the Wellsville High School class of 1947.

Alice’s life was marked by profound love, resilience, and dedication. On January 20, 1949, she married James L. “Jay” Ellis, sharing nearly twenty years together before his passing on January 25, 1968. Later, on February 14, 1973, Alice found love and companionship once more with Clifford L. Badders. Together, Alice and Clifford have celebrated and cherished fifty-four wonderful years, each grateful for the time and memories they built side by side.

She devoted thirty-eight years of her distinguished working life to the Ottawa Truck Corporation, now known as Cargotec, retiring on June 1, 1990. Alice took great pride in her work and truly enjoyed the camaraderie of her colleagues, forging bonds that endured long after her retirement.

Alice—affectionately known as “Gypsy” to all who loved her—lived a life rich with passions and interests. She delighted in softball, bowling, golf, music, and oil painting, always fully immersing herself in her chosen pursuits. In her later years, Alice could often be found playing the keyboard for her friends at the Senior Center, a role she cherished deeply. She often said that she enjoyed making music even more than her listeners enjoyed hearing it.

Her contributions extended far beyond her own enjoyment. Gypsy served on the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors from 1976 to 1978 and was honored to serve as a Chamber Ambassador in 1981. She also dedicated time as an RMH volunteer for several years and continued her involvement as an Associate member. Her commitment to her community was steadfast and deeply felt by those around her.

A woman of faith, Gypsy was a devoted member of the United Methodist Church, where her kindness and generosity uplifted those in her congregation.

Alice is survived by her loving husband, Clifford Badders; her cherished step-daughter, Debra Sue Badders; her step-granddaughter, Melissa Brown; her step-great-granddaughter, Lekiah Danyell Bowens; as well as loyal friends Edward Corbin and Shirley Paul. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, Gerald and Donald Breithaupt.

Gypsy leaves behind a legacy of warmth, dedication, and a boundless zest for life.

Graveside Services will be held 10am, Friday, August 14, 2026, at Highland Cemetery, 1050 E. 15th Street, Ottawa, Kansas.

The family suggests memorial contributions to Prairie Paws Animal Shelter, 3173 K-68 Hwy., Ottawa, Kansas 66067.

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