2 Timothy 4:7

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."

Richland, Wash. - Richard Everett Ellis, beloved father, husband, brother, and friend, passed peacefully in the early morning of March 16, 2025.

Dad, having just celebrated his 86th birthday, was ready to join his wife of 50 years, Donna. He missed her dearly since the time of her passing in 2022.

Richard was born on March 12, 1939, in Reedley, CA. During his life, Dad worked with his father running fuel stations, owned an auto repair business, and participated in Boy Scouts, ultimately earning the Silver Beaver award for his dedication and work as a leader. Dad hunted and fished with his close friends for many years and took great pleasure in relaying countless memories and stories about his adventures. Dad served in the Army, with his posting to Korea in the early 60s.

Dad grew up in the Central Valley of California and married Mom while living in Delano, CA, then moved to Corvallis, OR. in the early 80s where he continued his auto repair business as a one man show while also raising his sons with mom. While in Corvallis, Dad was involved in church, Scouts, and served as a fire commissioner for Corvallis Rural Fire Protection District, while also supporting his sons in all their activities.

Mom and Dad moved to Pasco, Wash. in 2004 to be close to family. While here, he participated in the Ye Olde Car Club and as a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5785, served on their Honor Guard for many years. Dad was extremely proud of his military service and service to the VFW and Veterans.

Dad enjoyed talking with people and had a servant's heart, helping whenever called for whatever reason. Dad was a consummate master in fixing things, loved sharing the fruits and vegetables from his garden, loved to create things out of metal or wood, was proud of his sons, and loved his grandchildren without limits. Dad also became a huge fan of hockey watching his grandson, Evan play, and cheering for the Tri-City Americans.

Dad was a story teller, a constant smile on his face, inviting and a builder of relationships, consistent in his sincerity, honesty and patience. Dad was resolute, loved God, found integrity to matter greatly, he exuded traits and ethics of what a father should be to his sons and grandchildren, even to his last breath.

Richard is preceded in death by his wife (Donna DeWeese Ellis), father (Ernie Ellis) and mother (Grace Ellis). Dad is survived by his sisters (Jane Gibson, Edyth Ledbetter, and Barbara Ellis), son (Brian Ellis) of Pasco, son (Matthew Ellis) & spouse (William Schultz) of New York City, daughter-in-law (Elizabeth Ellis), and grandchildren (Emma Ellis and Evan Ellis).

A small gathering is planned to celebrate Dad's memory and to witness the interment of his ashes at Desert Lawn Cemetery on April 19, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. The gathering will be a simple affair, with honors rendered by the VFW for his military service and for family and friends to connect and share stories about Dad. We invite anyone who knew him to attend and remember his wonderful life.