Ruth Eloise Ellis

Ruth Eloise West Ellis, our beloved wife, mother, grandmother passed away peacefully and returned to our Heavenly Father, Feb. 25, 2011.
Born January 13, 1925 in Salt Lake City, Utah. The daughter of David Arnold West and Ruthella Eardley. She grew up in the family home in Sugar House, graduated from East High School, where she met her sweetheart Richard LeRoy Ellis. Eloise, as she was known to all, married Dick in the Salt Lake Temple on Jan. 17, 1944 and spent the next 67 years devoted to him.
She began working at the VA Hospital in the finance dept. She received many commendations and awards for her work. Eloise moved with Dick to St. Louis Missouri where she worked as a secretary for the Chancellor at Washington University and later for the Dean of Student Affairs at the university while Dick attended dental School. While stationed in the military in Kentucky they began their family. In 1953 they returned to Salt Lake City.
They eventually settled in her old neighborhood in what would be their family home for the next 51 years. Their family grew to include four sons and one daughter.
Throughout her life Eloise held many positions in the Church. Her favorite calling was that of a teacher. She enjoyed sharing her knowledge and love of the scriptures, the arts, music, literature, and especially her love of the Savior with others. She was an inspiration to all whom she taught.
Eloise was a devoted homemaker. Nothing brought more joy than taking care of her family. Her life was based on selfless acts of kindness and service to others.
After raising her family, Eloise returned to work as an executive secretary for LDS Social Services, working at the Salt Lake Agency and later at the Church Office Building for the Commissioners Office.
Eloise is survived by her eternal love, Dr. Richard LeRoy (Dick), her five children and their spouses, Dr. Richard (Tricia), Doug (Carmen), Mark, Susan (Kim), Charles (Vicki Lin), 15 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by two sisters and one brother, Betty West, Wanda (Bri) Badger, and David (Dixie) West.
All those whose lives were touched by this amazing woman will miss her greatly, she was blessed with an ability to accept and love everyone she met unconditionally.
The family gratefully acknowledges the loving care she received for the past year by the staff of the Sandy Regional Health Center.
A viewing will be held at Memorial Mortuary at 5850 South 900 East on Thursday, March 3, 2011 from 6 to 8 pm and again one hour prior to services at the ward.
Funeral services will be held at the Midvalley 4th Ward at 12:00 Noon on Friday March 4, 2011, 1106 East 8055 So. Sandy, Utah
On line condolences may be sent to www.memorialutah.com
In lieu of flowers please make donations in Eloise’s honor to the charity of your choice.