Gary Dean Ellis

Gary Dean Ellis was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather during his incredible 86 years of life. He passed away at home, in the early hours of Monday, August 19, 2024.
He was proceeded in death by his parents, siblings Jimmy, Jack, Don and Keith, two sons Rock and Mitch, and grandson Kyle. But will forever be remembered by those still here on earth including his wife, three sons, brothers and sisters, eight grandchildren, eight, soon to be nine great-grandchildren, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Here I, (his granddaughter Savanna), will record his biography, and will share some of my favorite memories. I hope this will inspire you to add on with your favorite memories as well.
Gary lived a long and full life. He was born on May 23, 1938, in Allen, Nebraska to his parents Eleanor and Vernon Ellis. He was one of nine children, Vernon, Jack, Keith, Don, Joyce, Cal, Nancy and Jimmy. Although the stories I’ve heard of their young lives consist of the comic jokes played on one another, the abundant love that they have for each other is clear. After graduating high school, he went into the trade industry as an Electrician with King Soopers, and spent his working career with them, till his retirement. Since he never was able to sit still, after he retired from King Soopers, he still did electrical work, when needed, for family and friends. One of his favorite side jobs was The Littleton Equine Center. He loved the people he worked with there and was loved and appreciated in return. He met the love of his life Twila in 1959 and in 1963 they became a blended family of 7 each bringing two children to the union, Rick and Rock from his side, Mike and Mitch from hers, and completing the family with the addition of Lonnie. He had many passions in life, which included traveling around the world. Together, he and Twila visited each of the 50 states, and countless countries around the globe. He also loved playing cards, and his card game exploits will forever be something remembered by those closest to him. As well as his graciousness when he was finally beaten, once every hundredth game or so. Most importantly though, was his passion for family, he would never miss an opportunity to spend time with his siblings and extended family, always making the Ellis Family Reunions a priority. I will remember my Grampa for his loving nature, his never-ending joking spirit, and his “occasional” stubbornness. He doted on everyone he loved, and there is scarcely a memory that doesn’t include him telling my brother’s and I how proud he was to be our grandfather, and how much he loved us. It is hard to make a list of the memories I will cherish the most of my Grampa. He always offered sound advice and warm hugs. He helped mold me into the adult I am today and gave me high expectations of the husband and father I wanted for myself, and my children. My earliest memory with him was at Sea World feeding the stingrays, when I was about three. There is also the heartfelt letter he wrote me on one of the beatitudes that he gifted me for my Chayil, at thirteen. Or the time we rode the new roller-coaster at Bush Gardens, when we went on our trip to Florida for my sixteenth birthday. However, perhaps my fondest memory of them all, is one much more recent. When he was a cantor at my wedding in 2022, he read one of our selected passages. I will never forget the elated joy it brought to him, and always remember how honored he was to be a part of my big day. Although I will miss my Grampa dearly, I am so grateful for the time I spent with him. And I know every person that knew Gary, will always feel his presence in their hearts.

In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to: The National Kidney Foundation at: https://www.kidney.org Or The American Diabetes Association at: https://diabetes.org

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