Obituary: Roger Melvin Ellison

Roger Melvin Ellison 1942 ~ 2005 Roger Melvin Ellison of Sandy, UT, age 63, beloved husband, father, grandpa, son and brother returned to his Heavenly Father April 11, 2005. Surrounded by his family that loves him deeply, he passed away peacefully at his home after a sudden, brief but aggressive battle with cancer. Roger was born January 23, 1942 in Lovell, Big Horn, WY, and raised in Paradise Valley outside Livingston, MT on a beautiful family ranch with a back drop of pine-covered mountains, on the Yellowstone River where he loved to fish for trout. It was here that Roger learned the value and joy of hard work and gained a testimony of the gospel from his parents. He attended a one-room school in Paradise Valley and Park County High School in MT. Then he attended BYU in Provo where he met the love of his life, Rosemary. They were married on October 1, 1964 in the Salt Lake Temple where they were sealed for eternity, by President Gordon B. Hinckley when he was an Apostle. After 40 years their love is still vibrant, from the happiness they received from laughing together, being unified in life's purposes--centered on gospel of Jesus Christ. Their greatest joy is being with their family. He was a man of service. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he was the first missionary from his Livingston Ward, serving faithfully in the Australia, Sydney Mission, where he did much good in sharing the gospel. He was a High Priest in the LDS Church, having served in many callings to the best of his ability. He had a love of teaching, home teaching and lifting up the poor and needy. He was a friend to all and looked for the good in everyone. He found his greatest joy of service through family history, and we know he is continuing with this work even now. He started his career in banking, then real estate sales and investments. He enjoyed his most recent work at SereniCare in funeral services where he loved comforting and inspiring families in need. Every job he had he made better. Roger is survived by his "Pride & Joy," his wife, Rosemary Kirkham Jarvis Ellison; his children: Laurie Ellison-UT, Jennifer and Paul Breinholt-UT, Nathan and Laura Ellison-TX, Nikki and Alif Ambler-KY, Nancy Ellison-UT and Benjamin Ellison-UT; grandchildren Parker and London Breinholt, Mikayla, Zachary and Brock Ellison, and Justin Ambler; mother Vivian Anderson Ellison-MT; sister Deanne Holm-AZ; Jarvis Sibling In-Laws George and Kathy-CAN, Stephan and Sue-WA, Michael and Trudy-UT and many other loved ones. Preceded in death by his father Melvin Basil Ellison; wife's parents George Y. and Carol K. Jarvis, and niece Lisa Jarvis. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, April 16, 2005 at 12 noon at the Willow Creek 3rd Ward LDS Chapel on 2400 E. Alta Canyon Dr in Sandy, UT. Friends may call Friday, April 15, from 6-8 p.m., and Saturday one hour prior to the service. Interment: Lehi City Cemetery. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family at homesweethome2391@hotmail.com. We'll always remember his "Roger Jokes," "punny" sense of humor and making everyone laugh. He's the "best looking Grandpa we know his size." "1,2,3 WE LOVE DADDY!!"