Frances M. Ellis
September 11, 1914 - July 9, 2009
Obituary
Frances M. ELLIS
The most important part of the life of Frances Ellis was her family, friends & her home. She was born September 11, 1914, in Rocker, Montana, to Frank & Elizabeth Richards being the youngest of four children. When she was five years old, the family moved to Auburn, Washington, where her father worked for Northern Pacific Railroad. Frances went through school in Auburn graduating from Auburn High School. She worked at Auburn Hospital where she took nurses training. She met Err Ellis in Auburn, they were married on May 5, 1937, & began a loving marriage, home & family. The Ellis family lived in West Seattle where they were very active in the Masonic orders in Alki Masonic Hall. Frances was a fifty year member of Crown Chapter Order of Eastern Star. It was through these memberships that many close friendships were formed. On July 9, 2009, Frances joined her husband Err in Heaven as well as her parents, sisters & brother. She is survived by her daughter Carol Ellis, her sons Jim & Bob Ellis, daughter-in-law Gerry, three grandsons, Scott Rayna, Ben & Dan Melissa Ellis, two great-granddaughters, Keeley & Raylin, her sister-in-law Jeanne Linder, & her many nieces & nephews. She loved all of ‘her kids’ & her many friends from Auburn, Orcas Island, Seattle & other places she felt at home. Memorials may be contributed to the Northwest Kidney Centers Foundation, P.O. Box 3035, Seattle, WA 98114-9906. A service for Frances will be held on Wednesday, July 15, 2009 at 11:00 AM at Bonney-Watson Parker Chapel, 900 SW 146th, Burien, WA 98166 followed by interment at Mountain View Cemetery, 2020 Mountain View Drive, Auburn, WA. Please sign on-line memorial guest book at www.bonneywatson.com.
Auntie Frances was a big part of my life growing up, filling the role of another Grandma. I remember my brothers and I spending many wonderful days with her and the whole Ellis family, especially up at Orcas. One particular memory was during Middle School when I was sent home sick but for some reason my Mom and Dad were not able to pick me up. I did not know this until Auntie Frances showed up at South Shore MS in the middle of the Ranier Valley, clear on the other side of town this was during forced busing. She took me back to her house and cared for me as only she could do until my Mom picked me up late that afternoon. This was over 30 years ago and the memory is as clear as if it had happened yesterday, as are many other wonderful memories. The first time that I brought my infant son, Evan, home to West Seattle I had to show him off to Auntie Frances, and she played with him while we visited for several hours, even though she had appointments to attend to. She was all about love and family, two words that for her were synonymous, and an example that I try to follow every day. Auntie Frances, you will always be in my heart. Rest in peace with Uncle Err. I love you both.
-Andy
Thinking of Carol, Jim, Bob, and the rest of our family today as you say goodbye to our Auntie Frances. Reilly has been reflecting and remembering her special time up at Orcas Island with all of you, and I am so happy that she has those memories to hold on to. Auntie Frances will always have a special place in all of our hearts. Love to you all!
-Janet, Geoff, Reilly and Arden Pleau
Your mother was a very special person. As I watched her in the early 70’s sitting at the bedside of your father at Swedish Hospital, I was impressed by her quiet, loving, gentle spirit. I was delighted to connect with her again through your transplant process, Carol, and to meet your brothers. The world needs more people like your mom, to bring strength, humor, peace and love to others. How she loved your place on Orcas Island! Her eyes would sparkle as she told stories of family adventures there. I was not surprised to read her obituary, as both she and Carol have come to mind frequently the last 3 weeks and I had a sense of her being ill. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers today and in the future.
We were so sorry to hear of your mothers passing. Your whole family was always such a delite when you would come up to West Beach for summer vacation. Your mom and dad were probably two of the finest people we have ever had the pleasure to know. God Bless.
Chet and Bobbe
Eternally sunny in personality with eyes that always seemed to be twinkling, Frances had a knack for making people feel welcome and at ease. I think that she was able to bring out the best in all of us that knew her simply because we could sense her acceptance of us. Her devotion to her family and friends was absolute. I think that all of us felt that no matter what, she was on our side.
She surely must have said unkind things about people, but in my time around her, I never heard one. I don’t believe that she was blind to people’s faults, but rather that she simply preferred to give everyone the benefit of the doubt at all times.
I always felt that in her eyes there were no unwelcome guests arriving at inconvenient times—everyone who dropped by or was brought home by her children or husband was a joy to have around. There was always food, it was never any trouble to wash some more dishes; she always had time to talk a little more. If you wanted to stay late that was fine with her, if you came early or dropped in uninvited, she was genuinely delighted to see you.
All of us that knew her have lost a true friend.
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of our loved one. She was like a Grandma to me and all my brothers and sistersMike,Becky and Jon. She will truly be missed and thought often. She is always present in all the wonderful memories I have of Orcas Island and Seattle. God bless her and all the family during this emotional time. My husband and I send our sympathies.
Carol, Bob,Jim;
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. It was truly a pleasure knowing both of your parents. Francis was a wonderful amd loving person. I enjoyed speaking with her many times and even having coffee with her on occasion. She will be missed but will still remain in our hearts and minds.
Sincerely
Jan and Jerry Richartz.
Dear Jim and family:
I know that our parents are expected to pass away someday, but it is never an easy thing. Our lives are so intertwined with memories and our parents are so integral to those. We extend our heartfelt sympathies, just know we are thinking of you all.
Andy and I remember her wonderful pies that Jim would bring to events. What a warm and wonderful family. We always think of how each of you care about and support each other.
All our best,
Andy and Tracy
Sorry to hear of your lose. Moe’s and my prayers are with your family during this difficult time.
Your Mom was such a special person, very welcoming and caring. She did love her children so very much-would tell you all about them. You could hear the love in her voice. Judy and Gary
To the Ellis family,
I have lived next door to Francis and Carol for the past 9 years, and immediately loved the whole family. I remember Francis telling me stories about how she met her husband and raised her family in that same house. It is really something to me that they have stayed all these 50+ years! She told me about the neighborhood and the changes throughout the years, and always her great love for her family was evidenced in her conversation. She was a delight to visit with, even after our visits were moved inside instead over the back fence hanging up our laundry to dry on the line or while picking raspberries that joy of joys! crept over a little to my side. Later on when my grandchildren started arriving, she would simply light up to see and hold one of the babies! She was lovely, kind and generous, and always made me feel welcome. I will miss waving to her from our oh-so-close kitchen windows, and will cherish the memories of a wonderful neighbor and friend. Thank you, Francis for making my life a little bit sweeter!
Victoria
I will forever remember how “Mom” was the most wonderful second mother for us Terry kids. The great memories of West Seattle and Orcas Island are the best. I will miss her greatly.
Mikey