Eugene Ellis, 80, a lifelong Skagit County resident, passed away at his home in Sedro-Woolley on Wednesday, February 6, 2008.
Gene was born on March 15, 1927 in Clear Lake, Washington, the son of George & Pearl Robinson Ellis. He attended school in Clear Lake and Sedro-Woolley.
In 1943 he met his soul mate, Dorothy Land, while working in the spinach fields in Clear Lake. Dorothy waited for Gene as he served his country in the Merchant Marines during WW II and after his return they were united in marriage in Clear Lake on June 12, 1948.
Gene worked at Franklin’s Lumber Yard in Mount Vernon until they moved to their home north of Sedro-Woolley where in 1953 they began operation of the Prairie Shake Mill, which the ran for over 40 years.
Gene enjoyed fishing and duck hunting and raising and showing bulldogs.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years , Dorothy at the family home in Sedro-Woolley. His children, William Ellis of Sedro-Woolley, Leona Ellis of Fox Island, WA, Linda Hanger of Burlington, Bob Ellis and wife, Welene of Bonney Lake, WA and Ben Ellis and wife, Amy and Bernie Ellis and wife, Tracy all of Sedro-Woolley. A brother, Leslie Ellis of Clear Lake and a sister, Eleanor Klampe of Brooks, Oregon. 11 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Edward, a daughter-in-law, Jean Ellis and a son-in-law, Ralph Hanger.
Graveside Services with Military Honors will be held at the Sedro-Woolley Union Cemetery on Monday, February 11, 2008 at 2:00 PM with Chaplain Wayne Stiles officiating. Visitation is available at and services under the direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.