Jerry Donald Ellis

Jerry D. Ellis from Lake Roesiger passed away on March 5 after a courageous but tough battle with cancer. He was born to Donald and Annette Ellis on April 7, 1935 in Seattle. Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 58 years Irene (Olseene) Ellis, and five children: Donald Ellis and wife Cathy of Bothell, Michael Ellis and wife Rhonda of East Wenatchee, Colleen Towns and husband Joe of Snohomish, Robert Ellis and wife Roberta of Snohomish, and David Ellis and wife Michelle of Everett. His five children blessed them with thirteen grandchildren: Jeffrey, Jamie, Danae, Amanda, Jennifer, Michael, Christine, Brandon, Katie, Brianna, Bailey, Ashley and Kayla. The grandchildren have blessed them with six great-grandchildren and two more on the way. Jerry had one brother, Richard Ellis, husband of Carol, deceased, of Mountlake Terrace and one sister-in-law, Margaret Lindell, wife of Gary, deceased, of Woodinville, and dear mother-in-law Agnes Olseene, wife of John, deceased, of Mill Creek. In addition are many more extended family members and countless dear friends.Jerry grew up in Seattle and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1953. One of his passions during his high school years was automobiles, and after school he could often be found at the racetrack or garage. Shortly after graduating, he married his high school sweetheart, Irene, and started raising the family. He followed his passion of coaching his childrens CYO sports teams at St. Lukes School in Shoreline, where Jerry and Irene educated all five children. When school was out for the summer, RV camping took over, and the family explored most of the western United States by trailer, creating many precious experiences that will exist forever in the familys memories. This passion continued until the end of his life, and the truck and trailer were on the road many weeks every year, with the last twenty years being filled with countless enjoyable trips with the Lake Roesiger Trailer Club. Jerry and Irene also greatly enjoyed their winter Yuma, AZ home for many years.True to the strong work ethic he followed his whole life, Jerry worked at the Seattle Times for over forty years. Many life-long friendships were created there that Jerry valued so much. In his rare free time, Jerry could be found pursuing another passion, the game of golf.In addition to an intense focus on family, Jerry firmly believed in giving back to the communities in which he lived. At Lake Roesiger, that meant the volunteer fire department. He served as a volunteer for countless years, and was one of the three elected fire commissioners for that district, where he served selflessly for eighteen years right to the end of his life. When the 911 call went out for response to any emergency, Jerry could always be counted on to get the necessary aid units to the scene as fast as possible, no matter what time of the day or night.Never a complainer, Jerry would endure personal pain and hardship with his endless smile and concern for anothers well-being, even at the expense of his own. During his battle with cancer the last two months, his genuine concern of others, including the hospital staff, took precedence over his own needs. Jerry will always be remembered for the man of principle and integrity that he was.A celebration of life mass will be held at St. Michaels Catholic Church in Snohomish at 11:00 on Thursday, March 12, recn to follow. In lieu of flowers, Jerry would like donations to go to the Lake Roesiger Fire Department Auxiliary or the American Cancer Society.