Elizabeth Frances Mills Ellingson Jones, 85, died peacefully surrounded by her family on January 10, from cancer.Betty was born on November 22, 1933 in Marysville, California, to Aileen Janette Noble and Harold Lucas Mills.She had a happy childhood and lived in Phoenix and Reno before her family eventually settled in Salt Lake City.She graduated from South High School and then attended both Brigham Young University and the University of Utah.She was always a hard worker, and she was happy, and shared that joy with those close to her.
On November 6, 1953, Betty married Ralph Eugene Ellingson, in the Salt Lake LDS Temple.They were the parents of seven wonderful children.Betty had a firm testimony of Jesus Christ and His church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Together, she and Ralph taught their children about love, happiness, and service.When she lost Ralph to cancer in 1978, Betty continued to teach their kids about hope and faith through her example during this devastating trial.
Betty married Collins Elmer Jones on December 20, 1984.She joined him in serving in the Salt Lake Temple for many years, and then together they served as President and Matron of the Ogden Temple from 1996-1999.Betty truly loved serving with the sisters and had a special love for the women there.Collins passed away in 2002, and Betty continued to diligently serve the Lord in many different auxiliaries and in the temple.
When her daughter and best friend, Amy Ellingson, passed away in 2010, Betty endured, continuing to cheerfully serve those around her.Betty loved children and taught them throughout her life--she loved teaching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren to play the piano, and taught children to read at a local elementary school, right up until she passed away.Music was a consistent source of happiness for her, and she was a gifted pianist.Betty was physically and mentally active, and enjoyed playing and watching tennis, solving crossword puzzles, and especially loved to read.She was very social and loved spending time with her sweet friends; she truly treasured her friendships.Betty had a way with words, and was always ready with a joke or quip; her fun sense of humor made every situation better, and she helped others find the joy! Throughout her life and her trials, she exemplified selflessness, faith, love, acceptance, and most of all, happiness and hope; she was a true disciple of Jesus Christ and loved the Lord.
Betty leaves this priceless heritage to her family.She will be greatly missed by her children, Cheri (Mark) Cornelius; Steve (Kim) Ellingson; Julie (Joel) Winters; Daniel (Eden) Ellingson; Jana (Spencer) Horn; and Lisa (Jay) Williams; her twenty-four grandchildren; her fifteen great-grandchildren; her sister Jan Mills Boudart; and her dear friend Roger Eulberg.
We find comfort in her joyous reunion with her parents, Collins, and especially her daughter, Amy, and husband, Ralph.We know she is happy!
Friends and family are invited to attend a funeral service on Monday, January 14, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at the Little Cottonwood 16th Ward, 6350 S. Rodeo Lane. A visitation will be held Sunday, January 13th from 6:00-7:30 p.m., and Monday prior to the service from 9:30-10:30 a.m., both at the Ward. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Volunteers of America.
