Richard Gregory Ellis, 85, passed away peacefully, April 18, 2018, surrounded by family at home in Salt Lake City, Utah. His dog, George, lay at his feet, ever faithful.
Richard was born in Ogden to Oliver Gregory and Vera Jones Ellis on February 22, 1933, welcomed by three older sisters, Norma, Joanne, and Kathryn. With bright blue eyes and a head full of curly blonde hair, Richard learned honesty, civility and hard work from his parents. His boyhood was spent building model airplanes, playing army, and riding bikes. Dick's teenage jobs included paper route and railroad worker; in college he drove a tour bus in Salt Lake City and Portland, Oregon. Studious by nature, his work in the library led to a love for books. Curiosity drove him to gain knowledge and understanding on a variety subjects. Dick inherited a love for singing and listening to beautiful music.
Dick's friendship with Ann Wilkins began over the drinking fountain at East High, and blossomed into a seven year relationship. They were married August 15, 1956 in the Salt Lake Temple; she joined him in Oregon for his last two years of dental school. He dreamt of becoming a dentist—his artistic eye and passion for fixing and creating things made it a perfect fit. After dental school, Dick and Ann spent two years at Vandenberg Air Force Base, CA. He began his practice in CA, but a performance of The Sound of Music drew their hearts back to the Utah mountains. Returning to Salt Lake City in 1963 with their two young children, Greg and Luanne, Dick established Village Dental and built a home on the foothills of beautiful Mt. Olympus. Daughters Kathy and Suzy arrived to complete their family. All four children were blessed by his intelligence, patience, and gentle and forgiving heart. Family is most important to him. Friendships formed over years are also cherished.
Dick was inclined toward the less fortunate, serving the medically indigent at the Fourth Street Clinic and Donated Dental, where he gave time and tender care to those in need. He was a true gentleman, Christ-like in his love for his fellow man.
Ann and Dick enjoyed music, art, Park City, reading, and movies. Attentive and empathetic, Dick cared for Ann when cancer struck at 61. They rejoiced in her twelve year reprieve, focusing on family, friends, and travel. After ten years of missing his very best friend, Ann, we are thrilled they are united for eternity.
Faith formed in the furnace of doubt and study led to Dick's firm testimony of Jesus Christ, and his commitment to the LDS Church. We are grateful for his endurance, for neighbors and friends who ministered to him and most recently, to IHC Hospice and Right at Home caregivers, who became a second family these past few years.
Richard is preceded in death by his wife, Ann Wilkins Ellis, his brother, Billy, his sisters Norma, Joanne, and brothers in law Dick, Lee, Bill and Sam. He is survived by his son, Gregory (Leslee) Ellis, and daughters, Luanne (Tracy) Schmidt, Kathleen (Stuart) Peterson, and Susan (Michael) Rasch; nineteen grandchildren, nine great grandchildren; sister, Kathryn; brothers and sisters in law, Pat Cannon, June (Steven B.) Nebeker, Lucy (Fred) Moreton; cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Services will be held Wed., May 2, 2018 at 12:00 pm at Neff's Canyon Ward, 4176 S. Adonis Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah. Friends may call May 1, 6:00-8:00 pm or May 2, 10:30-11:45 am. Interment at Salt Lake City Cemetery.
