Rinda Ellis

Rinda Parker Ellis
1957 ~ 2013
Rinda Parker Ellis left her earthly home to travel back to her heavenly home on Wednesday, February 6, 2013, after a brief battle with cancer. She was blessed to receive a liver transplant in 2010 which gave her two additional years to spend with her children who were her love, passion, and priority.
Rinda was born on April 14, 1957, in Portland, OR, the fifth of eight children born to Gilbert G. and Jenae Watkins Parker. She married Daniel B. Ellis, later divorced. They had three children, Daniel J. Ellis, Aaron Z. Ellis and Jessica R. Ellis, all of Provo.
She is survived by her mother, Jenae W. Parker, of Provo, and seven siblings: Michael A. Parker of Camas, WA; Sharon J. Binder (Steve Lucas) of Oregon City, OR; James W. Parker of Huntington Beach, CA; Kathryn A. Parker of La Center, WA; Dr. Robert G. Parker, Alan D. Parker, and Janet P. Stewart (Greg), all of Provo, UT. She also leaves behind many loving nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Rinda was preceded in death by her father, Gil, her grandparents, Ira Oray and Ida Jane Watkins and Joseph and Ethyl Fejes.
Rinda was raised on a farm in Vancouver, WA, and she attended schools there until her family moved to Provo; she graduated from Provo High School in 1976. At Provo High School she participated in drill team and AUM Club. She attended BYU and traveled to Israel to study archeology and attend Tel Aviv University and then spent time hitch-hiking through Europe. She later completed a degree in dental hygiene at Clark College in Vancouver, WA, and worked as a dental hygienist in California, Oregon, Washington, and Alaska, before serving an LDS mission to Curitiba, Brazil, and returning to BYU, where she participated in its European art study abroad program. She later graduated from Portland State University in Portland, OR, and Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville, MO. She completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology in St. Louis, MO, and began practice in the areas of areas of women's health and OB-GYN in Oregon before settling for good in Provo where she worked at UVRMC Women's Center until an illness required her to take leave. During the time of her illness, her lack of strength limited her activity, but she remained determined to return to work, even traveling while ill to Florida to sit for her OB boards. She loved learning and stressed the importance of education, art, and music with her family. Rinda loved and excelled at many things, including art, gardening, photography, reading, music, journaling, throwing family parties, The Cabin, skiing, traveling, shopping, cooking, and sharing with others.
Rinda's positive attitude and spirit captivated all she met. She was always laughing and always had a smile for everyone. Throughout her home and in her many journals we find handwritten and decorated affirmations-short statements to help keep a positive spirit. She was all about living life to the fullest to the point that her body could no longer keep up with her exuberant spirit, so she moved along to the next step in her eternal path.
Rinda was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and liked to talk about her pioneer heritage, especially the Martin Handcart Company and its history. She shared her testimony with others and wanted her children to know that she will always be an influence in their lives. She was a missionary to the end. Her family and friends will miss her dearly.
Her family would also like to thank all who took part in her compassionate care and invite all who knew her to join us at a funeral service to be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 16, 2013 at the Edgemont 9th Ward Chapel, 4300 North Canyon Road, Provo, Utah. Friends may call at the Berg Mortuary of Provo, 185 East Center Street, Friday evening from 6 until 8 and at the church Saturday from 9:30 until 10:45 a.m. prior to services. Interment will be at East Lawn Memorial Hills Cemetery, 4800 North 650 East, Provo. Condolences and memories can be emailed to info@bergmortuary.com or entered online at www.Tributes.com.