Gayle Ellis

It is with gratitude for a life well lived that we announce the passing of our much-loved sister and aunt on April 22, 2026. Her 91 years on earth were filled with service, learning, humor, curiosity, and a steady faith that anchored her. We feel the ache of her absence, but we rejoice in the knowledge that she has been welcomed home by family and friends on the other side of the veil.

Gayle Ellis came into the world on a stormy night, August 29, 1934, born to Elwin Demar Ellis and Mildred Fausett in Salt Lake City. The story is told of the fierce winds that night, which inspired the name she would carry for life—Gayle. She was joined five years later by her only brother, Scott, who became not just a sibling but a constant companion and lifelong friend.

Her earliest memories were in Salt Lake City, but her childhood changed course when the family moved to San Francisco. There, she grew up on the Presidio overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge during World War II. She had many fascinating accounts from those years—watching warships move in and out of the harbor, getting scolded for exploring the bunkers with Scott close behind her, and sheltering together as air raid sirens blared overhead.

The family was able to return to Salt Lake City when Gayle was 17, in time for her to graduate from South High School. By then, her artistic eye was already unmistakable. She saw and captured detail with extraordinary clarity, and she carried that way of seeing the world into her studies at the University of Utah, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree.

After college, she began a long and rewarding career in the Art Department at Granite Furniture. She drew illustrations and created advertisements for the store. Alongside that career, she continued painting in oils—exacting work that reflected her own nature. Her paintings, distinguished by remarkable precision and attention to detail, remain a lasting reflection of the care and intention that defined her life.

Gayle was a devoted family member, inviting her niece and nephew to the Granite Furniture Lagoon Day each year. She wasn’t much for the rides, but she was an absolute Skee-Ball champion. She had a quick sense of humor at family gatherings and loved competing with Scott to see who could find the funniest (and most insulting) birthday card. Her daily routine included breaking from work to have lunch with “the folks” each day, always keeping a close eye on her parents. As her mother aged, Gayle lovingly cared for her until her passing at age 97. In quiet moments to herself, she kept her hands busy with needlework in her lap or a jigsaw puzzle spread across the table.

Her love for family extended to her relatives beyond the grave. She devoted much of her life to genealogical research and temple work. She not only searched out names and dates but also uncovered the stories that gave those lives meaning. After retiring from Granite Furniture, she volunteered at the Family History Library, helping others connect with their own ancestors.

At the center of her life was her faith as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As a young woman, she was called to the Great Lakes Mission. She returned from her mission to the Stratford Ward, where she remained and served for over 60 years in many callings, including Primary Teacher, Gospel Doctrine Teacher, Relief Society Teacher, and Library Specialist. Her enduring testimony of Jesus Christ will leave a lasting impression on her family and all who knew her.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Elwin and Mildred Ellis.

She is survived by her brother D. Scott Ellis; her niece Lynn Ellis Wood (Jay); her nephew Gary Ellis (Teresa). She leaves behind five great nieces and nephews: Lindsay Chamberlain (Nathan), Kassie McCullagh (Joe), Tyler Ellis (Sarajane), Ryan Ellis, and Justin Ellis, and 5 great-great nieces and nephews.

Like the wind that gave her a name, Gayle lifted and carried each life she touched. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

The family will host a viewing and service in her honor on April 30, 2026, at 11 am - Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E Dimple Dell Road, Sandy, UT 84092. Dedication of the grave will immediately follow the services.