Richard Wren Ellis

Richard Wren Ellis, 60, of Rigby, died Monday, August 9, 2010, at his home, from complications due to a brain tumor. He was born June 29, 1950, in Rigby to Thomas Wren Ellis and Gladys Cordon Ellis. His early boyhood years were spent living in Annis. His family later bought a ranch in Driggs, Idaho, where he graduated from Teton High School. He was a member of the Idaho National Guard and attended Ricks College and ISU. Residing in Ririe, and later moving to Rigby, Richard became a successful building contractor, known most for constructing commercial retail stores, apartment complexes, banks, motels, government buildings, and most recently several large new projects and additions at BYU-Idaho. On June 2, 1990, he married Elaine Reed of Rigby in the Idaho Falls Temple. Their children include Roger Ellis, Travis Ellis, Ashley Ellis, Jeanette Ellis, Cristie Ellis, and Carson Ellis. Richard was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and enjoyed many callings and assignments, recently serving as Elders Quorum President for 5 years. He loved camping, boating, and snowmobiling especially with friends and family. He found great joy in helping others and he earned the respect and love of many people by the way he lived his life and ran his business. His wisdom and love lifted others’ burdens and brought joy and meaning to many lives. He has left a legacy of faith, selflessness, and integrity for his loved ones. Richard is survived by his wife, Elaine Ellis, and children Roger (Heather) Ellis, Travis Ellis, Ashley, Jeanette Ellis, Carson Ellis, grandchildren, Carter, Hallie, and Denver Ellis, brother Tom (Ruth) Ellis, and sisters Jolene (Dee) Lake, Karen (Jerry) Burtenshaw, Deana (Lee) Megginson, Kathleen (Tim) Bywater. He is preceded in death by parents, Wren and Gladys Ellis, daughter Cristie Ellis, and brother-in-law Dee Lake. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 14, 2010, at the LaBelle LDS Chapel. The family will receive friends from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., Friday and from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. Saturday prior to the services, both being held at the church. Burial will be in the Annis Little Butte Cemetery, under the care of Eckersell Memorial Chapel in Rigby.