CELEBRATING VALINE'S LIFE

St. George, Utah – Valine Ellis, 99, passed away April 22, 2021. She was born in Delta, Utah on January 8, 1922 to Ila Anderson Cahoon and Charles Wallace Cahoon. She spent her childhood climbing trees, riding horses and swimming in the irrigation ditches. She would sometimes visit her cousins Lena and Bernice, during the summers. They lived in Southern California.

Valine loved her brothers and sisters. She was the third oldest of seven children. She often remembered taking care of Phil, age 3 and Betty and Bob, the twins as babies. She would push them in their "Big Buggie". She was 10 years old at the time and loved doing it. She had fun times with Earl growing up, too. Donna was her big sister and they enjoyed doing things together. She loved all her family and enjoyed the times they had together. As adults, they all have remained close.

When she was 14 years old her family moved to Baldwin Park, California. (Southern California). Since most of the friends she grew up with were back in Delta, she didn't like high school very much, but she made it, even graduating early.

When she was 19 she met Jack Earl Ellis at Betty's Barn. (A youth dance place that didn't serve any alcohol.) They fell in love and got married on January 15, 1942. She was 20 and Jack was 22. Soon after, Jack joined the Navy and Valine became a "Rosie the Reviter", only she worked for Goodrich and made De-Icers for airplane wings. Their first daughter, Linda Lee, was born on July 10, 1945. Three years later their second daughter, Christine Ila, was born on April 5, 1948. Valine was mostly a stay-at-home Mom. Occasionally she worked to help out with Christmas Expenses.

Valine loved the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and had many callings. She was Primary President and also a counselor in the Primary Presidency. She was a Young Women's President and also taught the Beehive class. She taught several Primary classes throughout the years. Later, she was a Ward Librarian with Christine.

Jack was not a member of the Church, but had read the Book of Mormon when he was in the Navy and believed it was true. He had some bad habits that were difficult to give up. However, he always encouraged Valine and the girls to go to Church. Valine never quit trying to convert him, having several sets of Stake Missionaries over to teach him.

After 23 years of marriage, Jack finally was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Two years later they were sealed in the Los Angeles Temple.

Jack had Type II Diabetes and suffered many complications, including having to have both of his legs amputated. Through it all, Valine was by his side as his companion, support and caregiver. She would swing his heavy wheelchair into the trunk of the care and off they would go—to lunch or shopping!

During their marriage, they lived in Baldwin Park, West Covina, Azusa, Citrus Heights, Riverside, Salinas and Ventura—all in California.

All of her life Valine loved children. She was grateful for the opportunities she had to babysit her wonderful grandchildren, that she dearly loved—Terri, Richard and Alyssa. She also loved babysitting the Wong children and watching all of them grow up.

Valine was a great support to her children and loved them with her whole heart.

A few years after Jack died, she lived with Christine and her husband Gary and their daughter Alyssa in Sanita Paula, California. In 2003, they all moved to St. George, Utah.

In 2011, Gary left Christine and they later divorced. Valine was a tender mercy for Christine as she was so supportive and loving. Valine and Christine went on several cruises and trips and enjoyed being together having so much fun!

Valine was amazed she lived as long as she did and rarely complained of aches and pains. Wow! 99 years! She was an amazing lady, and everyone loved her. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, friend and neighbor. She will be missed greatly. She has touched so many lives for good during her time on this earth and has left footprints on our hearts!

Funeral services will be held Monday, May 3, 2021 at 1:00 p.m., with a visitation prior from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at Metcalf Mortuary, 288 West St. George Blvd., St. George, Utah. Interment will be in Tonaquint Cemetery, 1777 South Dixie Drive, St. George, Utah.

Valine Ellis Service Program