Search by Name

Search by Name

Marigrey Ellis Obituary

Marigrey (Hutchins, Fish) Ellis, just shy of 82, passed away in her sleep in the early morning of Feb.28, 2013. She was born on March 4, 1931 in Winnepag, Mannitoba Canada to Preston and Edythe Hutchins. Marigrey married Howard "Bud" Fish in 1952 and together they raised 5 girls; Susan, Mary, Cindy, Jane and Ellen. Marigrey and Bud lost their oldest daughter in a car accident in 1973. With the loving and generous help of their many friends in their life long time home of Truckee, they soldiered on. After nearly 35 happily married years, Bud joined their Susie in heaven.

Marigrey was a blessed human being in many ways. Her love of her community and civic affairs led her to sit on numerous boards and committees where she was a valued and respected contributor. She was also instrumental in establishing the Truckee Library, which in it's early days resided in the only available real estate in town: the second story of the local Methodist Church. Later the library, again due to Marigrey's unwavering perseverance and dedication raised sufficient enthusiasm as well as fund's necessary to build a gorgeous two story library complete with spiral staircases and nature inspired stained glass window. Marigrey worked as a librarian there for many, many, years and was known to all in the community as "The Story Time Lady'. She so enjoyed her post at the library and all the social life that came with it.

Five years after Bud's passing, Marigrey met a gentlemen through his daughter at, where else, the Truckee Library. A retired aeronautical engineer who loved to tinker with clocks, Joseph Ellis of Palos Verdes Estates, Calif. asked Marigrey to marry him. No sweeter or more generous man would you ever meet then Joe. He and Marigrey married in April of 1993 at Lake Tahoe. They enjoyed a regular schedule of bouncing back and fourth between the two homes in Northern and Southern California as well as traveling abroad on several well planned excursions. After 18 years together, Joe passed away.

Marigrey loved her family most of all and was lucky to spend the last two years of her life living with her daughter Mary Byrd in Willows, Calif. Another daughter, Cindy Parks, also of Willows, shared and enjoyed the blessing and honor of caring for their mom following a challenging and long recover from lung surgery. Ellen Nolan and Jane Barrett, Marigrey's other daughters, traveled to Willows on frequent occasions to help with their mom as well. Due to the nature of her health, she remained in Willows and was happy to be cared for and loved by her beloved daughters and their.

Marigrey is survived by her four daughters as well as her brother, Preston "Pete" Hutchins and wife Diana; sister, Dayna Taylor and husband Tom; son-in-laws, Don Byrd, Curtis Parks, Bill Barrett, and John Nolan; 13 grandchildren, Abby, Caitlin, Mackenzie, Quincy, Holly, Emily, Kathryn, Robert, Michael, William, Jack, Rosie, and Joe; 2 great-grandchildren, Isaiah and Ava. Grandson Brian Parks preceded her in death in 2006.

Among many others things, Marigrey will be remembered for her wry sense of humor, curiosity, service to community, integrity, and unconditional love for her family.

She also loved to read, garden, bake, sew, and knit. Those who know her will remember the Beautiful Christmas tree she decorated with an abundance of lights and one of kind ornaments. Her family will always cherish the hand knit stockings she made for each child and later, each husband and grandchildren. Marigrey will be sorely missed.

A memorial service is planned for Mach 4, 2013 at 11:00 a.m., which would be her 82nd birthday. It will be held at Willows Christian Church. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, those interested can make donations to the American Cancer Society or Truckee Friends of the Library.

Published by Willows Journal from Mar. 2 to Mar. 9, 2013.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Marigrey Ellis

Not sure what to say?





2 Entries

I will miss your visits. I am so blessed to have had the opportunty to meet Marigrey.

Carol Lemenager

March 4, 2013

Just found out about Marigrey's passing. I know how hard this must be for all of you. You were lucky to have her, and she you. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Barbara Lentz

March 2, 2013

Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results

Make a Donation
in Marigrey Ellis's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

Memorial Events
for Marigrey Ellis

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Marigrey's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Marigrey Ellis's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more