Ronald Ellis Obituary

Ronald James "Ron" Ellis was born Oct. 6, 1943, in Pierre, S.D., the son of Virgil and Frances (Schutte) Ellis. He passed away on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2013, in Durango at the age of 69.

After graduating from high school, Ron joined the Air Force and met the love of his life. At the age of 18 he married Rosemarie Weinert on April 3, 1962, in Colton, Calif. They shared 51 years of marriage together. Ron worked for 22 years for the Alpha Beta Grocery Store in California. He then worked for Plantation Shutters as a woodworker. Ron loved collecting tools, tractors and beer mugs. He also loved sports, especially basketball. Ron was always laughing and his laugh will be dearly missed.

Ron is survived by his wife, Rosemarie Ellis, of Pleasant View; his children, Bill Ellis of Yucca Valley, Calif., Herta Savala of Victorville, Calif.; Connie Smith and husband, David of Griffin, Ga.; and Charlotte Cline and husband, Darwyne of Dolores; his grandchildren, Melissa Avramov, Melody Cline, Jesse Cline, Yvonne Caudell, Angela Stangle, Christina Bass, Johnathan Nose, Dawn Ellis, and JJ Ellis; his 10 great-grandchildren; and his brothers, Del Ellis and Verlie Ellis, both of South Dakota, and Elton Ellis of Minnesota. Ron is preceded in death by his parents, Virgil and Frances Ellis; his brother, Dewayn Ellis; and his sister, Dorothy Schutte.

Cremation has taken place and no services are planned at this time. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Arrangements are being made through Ertel Funeral Home. For further information or to send condolences, log on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and click on the obituary section.