John Ellis

John Arthur Ellis, 65, died Wednesday, June 12, 2013, at Mercy Regional Medical Center in Durango, Colo. Cremation will occur at Hood Mortuary Crematory in Durango. A private scattering of ashes will take place at a later date. Mr. Ellis was born June 12, 1948, in Youngstown, Ohio, the son of Kenneth and Betty (Moyer) Ellis. John grew up in the Youngstown area and graduated from Mathews High School in 1966. After high school, John entered into the U.S. Army and went to Vietnam. In 1967, while on leave, he met his future wife, Marcella, in Fowler, Ohio. In 1969, John and Marcella married. He worked various jobs until he found a lifelong career in truck driving. He drove various rigs all over the United States and Canada. He always enjoyed his travels through Colorado. Mr. Ellis enjoyed hunting, fishing and the outdoors. He enjoyed watching golf and football on television. He was a life member of the North American Hunting Club, The NRA and was a past member of the V.F.W. in Johnson, Ohio, and of the American Legion. He is survived by Marcella Ellis (wife) of Pagosa Springs, Colo., Tammy Boen (daughter) of Pagosa Springs, Kenneth Ellis (son) of Parker, Ariz., Rodney Ellis (son) of Pagosa Springs, seven grandchildren, one great-grandchild, Charles Ellis (brother) of Sharpsville, Pa., and Carol Laberto (sister) of Youngstown, Ohio.
A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, June 30, 2013 at 4:00 p.m. at the Community Methodist Church on Lewis Street in Pagosa Springs, Colo. Pastor Don Ford will officiate. Military committal services will be by local Pagosa Veterans. A luncheon will follow after services. Please bring a side dish to share.