"[18] She had a step-brother, Alexander Leftwich Jr.[17] Her childhood activities included singing and dancing, and she reportedly studied French and German.

[19] A 1932 newspaper article said, "Since she was able to walk, Patricia has been familiar with the world of the theater, accompanying her father constantly to rehearsals and performances.

Starring alongside some of Hollywood's biggest names, including James Cagney, Ricardo Cortez, and Bela Lugosi, Ellis's career was at its peak by 1937.

A review in the trade publication Billboard commented: "Miss Ellis isn't bad on voice and excells (sic) on appearance.

[25] On July 12, 1941,[22][26] she married George Thomas O'Maley (died 2000), future president of Protection Securities Systems in Kansas City, Missouri.

[22] Ellis remained married to O'Maley for the remainder of her life, dying of colon cancer on March 26, 1970 in Kansas City, aged 51.