S. George Ellsworth, 81, passed away in his home in Logan, December 22, 1997.
Born June 19, 1916 in Safford, Arizona, to James C. Ellsworth and Julia Claridge. Married Maria Smith in the Mesa Temple, Oct 24, 1942.He graduated from Kansas City Jr. College before serving an LDS mission in the North Central States. He then completed his BA degree in history at USAC in 1941. During World War II, he served in the Air Force before becoming a chaplain in the Philippines. George received his Ph.D from the University of California, Berkeley in 1951 and then joined the faculty at USAC in 1952, where he taught for 31 years until his retirement in 1983. His reputation in the classroom earned him the "Teacher of the Year" award in 1965. He also influenced a generation of school children with his textbook "Utah's Heritage", which was used in the public schools for twenty years.
While at the university, George gained a wide reputation through his participation in state and national professional societies. In his career he received many honors and recognition. His colleagues nominated him to deliver the annual Faculty Honor Lecture, and the Utah Historical Society named him a Fellow. While serving as professor, George published numerous articles and reviews in professional journals, encyclopedias and books. Since his retirement, his creative powers were loosed and he published four books, and was continuing his research and writing to the end. His last contribution to the history profession is his gift of the "Utah Heritage Room" at Utah State University Library, where his significant documents and books on Utah History can be preserved and made accessible to future scholars.
In addition to his professional career, George took an active role in hi church and community. He was the speaker of choice for significant historic celebrations in this area. He filled many positions of teaching and leadership in his church, serving as bishop of the Fifth Ward between 1982 and 1987.
George is survived by his loving wife, Maria; two sons, Steven and Mark, three grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 12 p.m. on December 27, at the Fifth Ward Chapel. Viewing will be held Friday evening from 7-9 p.m. at the Allen-Hall Mortuary, and at the chapel before the service, 10-11:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers friends are invited to make a contribution to the Utah Heritage Room, Utah State University.
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