He was born in Springfield, Idaho on December 12, 1924 to Charles and Ellen Hale Wells. He attended grade school and junior high in the area and graduated from Aberdeen High School. After graduation he joined the Army and served with the 11th Airborne Division serving under General Swain and General MacArthur. He was a paratrooper during the second World War and served in the Philippines and Japan. He had memories of duck hunting with General Swain and General MacArthur. He once rode down on another soldiers parachute because his did not open. He could tell many experiences of the war.

On August 10, 1949, he married Floy Ransom in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. She preceded him in death October 4, 1980. From this union seven children were born. Edgar (Debra) of West Haven, UT; Gloria Smith, of Wapello, ID; Angela (Darryl) Rigby, of Belmont, MA; Loretta Price of Pocatello, ID; Benjamin (Sandy) of Oak Ridge, TN; Jonathan, of Idaho; and Nathan (Jamie) of Pocatello, ID.

For many years he farmed and raised cattle in the Moreland area. He spent many hours working for other farmers and helping out wherever he could. He had many fond memories of the farm. This is where he raised his family. Many family reunions were held here.

On April 4th, 1981 he married Doris Dingman Kodis in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. From this union he gained two additional daughters, Lori (Ken) Willmore and Pamela (Jim) Barnes both of Idaho Falls. They showed him great love and respect. He has 47 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren. How he loved spending time with his family particularly the campouts in Palisades and Island Park.

Ellis worked at the INEL, retiring in 1985. He was a member of the LDS Church and served in many positions. He had a strong love for Scouting, receiving a Silver Beaver, Order of the Arrow, Wood Badge, and the Scouter's Key.

He spent many years wintering in Quartzsite, AZ. He loved to travel and took many cruises. He is survived by his eternal companion Doris, and all descendants. He is also survived by a brother Lawrence in Burrough Junction, UT. He will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 3 brothers, and a sister.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 2, 2008 at the Ammon 6th Ward LDS Chapel, 2150 Avocet Dr. in Ammon. The family will receive friends from 6-8:00 p.m. Monday, December 1, 2008 at Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First St. Idaho Falls, and one hour prior to the services at the church. Burial will be in the Moreland Cemetery, in Moreland, Idaho where military rites will be provided by the American Legion Post 23 from Blackfoot, ID.

Condolences may be sent, and maps to the church and cemetery may be found online at www.coltrinmortuary.com

Map to the Church

Map to Moreland Cemetery