1959 ~ 2026
Ellen Sandall Graves, 66 years young, passed away peacefully in the morning hours of Tuesday, January 6th, 2026, after a short, yet valiant battle with cancer. She spent her last evening with loved ones sharing laughter, movie references and memories, happily sipping on a hospital version of a “dirty soda”.
Ellen was born February 8th,1959, to Ruby Marlene and David Sandall in Ogden, Utah. She grew up in Layton, UT, with older brother Stephen and briefly attended the University of Utah. She began working at a radio station in downtown Salt Lake City, where she met Roger Graves. They were married on June 12, 1982, and made their home in West Valley City before moving to Taylorsville where they spent the last 25 years.
Ellen loved jigsaw puzzles, crossword puzzles, spending time with her grandchildren, and anything Disney. She made several trips to Disneyland with her family to see her favorite characters. She and her family had seasons tickets for the Las Vegas NASCAR races for 20 years. She was also able to travel to some amazing places including Israel, New York City, Washington D.C., Chicago, San Francisco, Cozumel Mexico, an Alaskan cruise, a cruise to Mexico, and several national parks and monuments. She loved spending time in St. George, Utah, though why she always went in the middle of summer was always a mystery. She could often be found in her favorite chair, with her cat, Missy, curled up on her lap, while enjoying a “dirty soda”.
For several years, she was heavily involved in the Utah Diabetes Round-Up Rodeo, where she made lifelong friends. She was also involved in Girl Scouts, the PTA, and whatever wacky things her kids were interested in. Ellen had many fun jobs including working at her daughters’ elementary school, KSL radio and television, and selling Avon. Over the last decade, she found her home at Mountain America Credit Union, where she worked as a receptionist at the corporate office and made friends with everyone she encountered.
Ellen is survived by loving husband, Roger; daughters, Allyson and Brianna; grandkids, Lexi and Conner; son-in-law Brian Rolfe; nieces & nephews; brothers-in-law Mark (Kristin) and Matthew (Heather). She was preceded in death by her parents, Marlene and David; stepmother, Judy; brother, Stephen; in-laws Leah and Joseph; sisters-in-law, Leeza and Jill.
Services will be held Saturday, January 17th, 2026, with a viewing at 10am, followed by the funeral at 11am at Larkin Mortuary located at 260 E. South Temple, Salt Lake City, Utah 84111, followed by graveside services at Salt Lake City cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local animal shelter or to the American Cancer Society.
There are no words to express how grateful we are for the nurses at LDS Hospital’s ICU for the amazing care given the last few hours. The family also wants to express their appreciation to the doctors and nurses at Riverton Hospital, Utah Cancer Specialists, St. Mark’s Hospital, and Intermountain Medical Center.
Ellen was joyful, funny and had the best laugh ever. Such a dear friend I will miss her greatly. Till we meet again ❤️
Dear Graves Family,
I am so very sorry to hear about sweet Ellen’s passing. My heart is sore for all of you. I want you to know that I have nothing but pleasant memories of any time I spent with Ellen in our growing up years in the neighborhood. She was always very kind and easy to be around. I will continue to remember her tender spirit and hope that it stays with you all beyond your grieving.
I am so deeply sorry that we have lost her. She was always so wonderful and kind. I will always remember and miss you.
I remember the time I met you after you and my mom became friends for so long. In that instant of meeting you, you called me squirt, I never questioned it and never will. It was sad to hear what had been going on, but now you can feel better and at peace. I wish to give you the biggest hug and one more goodbye, from your squirt.🥲
Dear Brianna and family,
I had the privilege of working with Ellen, and I was heart broken to hear of her passing. She was always so fun to visit with and see in the office. She always talked about her daugters and grand children, you were her whole world. May many fond memories remain in your hearts.
God Bless you during this difficult time, and give you strength.
Ellen always greeted me with a smile. No matter what she had going on, she took a moment to ask about my day and truly cared about the answer. She looked out for me, kept my confidences, and showed up whenever I needed her. Her laugh was so full of joy, and I often tried to make her laugh just to hear it. She was genuine, kind, and quick‑witted...a truly wonderful combination. She will be so deeply and sorely missed. My heartfelt condolences go out to her family, friends, and all who loved her.
Ellen was a big, bright, light of sunshine at the Tanner building every single day. She knew who you were, what you were up to and when you were having a hard day. I looked forward to her smile and warmth. May she rest in peace. Sending comfort to all who loved her, she will missed.
Roger, I am so sorry for your loss. Having been through this last year, I can somewhat understand what you might be feeling. It does not make it sense why things happen so unexpectedly. It's so difficult to comprehend and make your way through the grief! I'm glad that Karl and I had 47 years together, I'm hopeful you feel the same about your time with Ellen. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love, Kathy and family
I am so sorry to learn of Ellen’s passing. She has been a very dear friend to me and my family for many years. We have also been co-workers at Mountain America. Ellen was always warm and caring, she brightened my day with her presence, beautiful smile, and her kindness. My deepest sympathy to Roger, Brianna, Allyson, her grandchildren, and other loved ones. She was proud of you and loved you very much. She is now your guardian angel, watching over and loving you, until you are reunited one day. I will miss her very much and am grateful for the gift of having her in my life. God bless and keep you, Ellen, until we meet again.
I was saddened to learn of Ellen's passing. It was a joy and a blessing to connect with her on a daily basis at the Tanner building of my previous employer. I love and treasure our conversations. We shared laughter and tears. She loves her family dearly and it saddens me that she is gone. My heartfelt condolences to all who knew her. She always filled others with joy. I will miss her.
Dear Roger,
I’m so sorry for your loss. Sending you strength and support during this difficult time.
Mandi
Roger - I hope that many good memories will always remain in your heart, as well as the hearts of your family! Take care.
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of a dear old friend from the Roxbourough neighborhood. Ellen was a sweetheart and I remember her as a loving mother.
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this most difficult time.
My heart is breaking for all of you. Oh the memories! Roxborough, Avon when Allyson was in a stroller, PTA where Ellen always by my side, she would do whatever I asked of her when I was President. Oh Girl Scouts...we had so much fun with the girls. I'm sorry you got the speeding ticket Ellen when you were following us from Orderville with the GS...long before GPS. I loved being there to watch your kitty and the girls when you needed me. I'm sorry we lost touch after Keith's death when I moved. I will remember you always. Rest in Peace my forever friend.