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Charles Ellis Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Charles Ellis
Donna
April 16, 2006
I miss you!
Charles C. Ellis
August 15, 2005
The following is the beautiful eulogy provided by Fred Alfano at Dad's memorial service, 7/30/05, at the Congregational Church, Sun City, AZ. We all appreciated his heartfelt thoughts.
Eulogy for Chuck’s Memorial July 30, 2005
by Fred Alfano
On April 16th of this year, 2005, an amazing man died. He was a man
of many talents and titles; Colonel Charles Jennings Ellis, Dr. Ellis, and Professor Ellis. What we say here today is only an inadequate
expression of what we carry in our hearts for Chuck.
When we stop to think about him, Chuck’s preoccupation in life was
people. He loved people. He was always introducing people to other
people. Always saying, you must meet so and so; and with his sense
of social occasion, by and large, you did get to meet them. How many
people have we met and gotten to know through Chuck Ellis?
Chuck loved water. He loved mountains and the night sky and he
loved to fly. He was an accomplished pilot holding a commercial rating. I just hope God has a place for him where he can fly again, where he can play practical jokes and smile that crooked boyish smile of his.
God knows, no one’s perfect, but I believe God knows there’s something special about this man.
Chuck was a wonderful friend. He was sympathetic, emotionally
available, intelligent, and, he had a delicious sense of humor. For me,
it was the best, most wholesome, honest and authentic relationship I
have ever had. I cannot begin to tell you what this meant to me, what a gift it was to me.
Chuck was a true patriot. He often choked up, often to tears, whenever he would hear the National Anthem or Stars and Stripes Forever. He never succumbed to the embarrassment some people feel about an honest expression of love of country and the American Flag. We have lost a great American, a great father, a great grandfather, and I have lost a dear friend.
I have always been rather self-contained in my relationships. This was something new in my experience. For the first time in my life here
was someone who was more concerned with me than I was. If you are lucky enough to have anyone like this in your life, you should
treasure them while you can.
It has been said that the loss of a friend is one of life’s most traumatic events. I now know the devastating truth of that statement. I’ve been told that in time, the pain will fade, and be replaced by positive memories, memories that soothe the soul. Already I can feel that happening.
I especially remember those outfits that Chuck often wore to make our weekly social International House of Pancakes occasions special. He would cut quite a figure with the crowd. Was he Outrageous? Sometimes. Inappropriate? Rarely. Cool? I think so. But Dull? Never!
While Chuck gave so much to us, I think we also need to remember and reflect upon the happiness that our various friendships gave to him. Many people will walk into and out of your life, but so few will leave footprints on your heart.
This is how I will always remember Chuck Ellis, a remarkable human
being and my friend.
===Fred Alfano=====
Lessie Garza
July 6, 2005
Hi Chuck,
How are you? I know you are a lot happier up there. I sure do miss you so much, you were the first thing on my mind when Father's Day came. I miss our talks and our laughs and even when we cried together. I still need you, to talk about a lot of other things so please stop in when you are not so busy. Please save a place for me, I still want to be close to you. I love you so much and I miss you more than you'll ever know. I'm not going to say good-bye, cause I'll see you one day, please watch over me.
Love yah Pops....Lessie
Chuck Springer
June 28, 2005
ChuckI..It was truly a pleasure to meet and spend time with you. When you walked into the Denny's retaurant, I could have picked you out easily from the desriptions I had gotten from Barbara. You have a truly remarkable family, as well. Though meeting them all for the first time on my second visit to Phoenix, I felt I had known them for years. The influence you had on their lives was evident. They all display the warmth and grace you showed me. For that I am truly grateful. I only wish I would have met you sooner. The moment I will forever remember, was the day I looked you in the eye in the hospital and said "hey Chuck, it's ChuckIII". You smiled and patted my cheek. You made your daughter smile.
June 9, 2005
My Sweet Chuck....Happy Birthday! Saturday will be your eighty-fourth birthday! We shared only two and how deeply I wish that we could be together for another! I'm comforted by the realization that you are at peace and completely well again and with so many you have truly loved and who deeply love you. Celebrate your day joyfully and I will cherish my wonderful memories. Memories of two years ago and the great fun we had at the Grand Canyon and the busy excited anticipation of your family's arrival for last year's Ellis family reunion. Those were special times!
Thanks for the memories, Chuck.
Donna
MaryEllen Ellis
June 3, 2005
Dear Grandpa:
Wow! I don't even know where to begin. It has been so hard to comprehend your passing. You were such a major part of my life and to have that support gone is very hard to deal with.
First of all, I would like to thank you for the Mustang which is now money for college! You can be assured that all of that money will go to my higher education. I don't think you will ever know how much that money is appreciated!
Secondly, thank you for all of your emotional support. If there was one person who supported me as much as my father, it was you!!! You are amazing and extraordinary!
Yes, I will miss your hugs and "MaryEllen, I love you!" I will also miss our three-minute phone calls, one line emails, 24 hour trips to Phoenix, and most of all, the beautiful letters. You never ceased to make me cry with those letters!
It was truly a blessing from Heaven to be able to get the chance to know you. You lived a long and prosperous life. You taught me to love not only myself, but others. You always had a story to tell. Those stories were just stories when you told them, but now they are part of my wonderful memories of you. That is all I have of you now -- memories. Those memories I will cherish and hold onto forever.
The times we went to Phoenix are times I cherished, too. I loved seeing you and spending time just listening. I used to ask you about all of your pictures on your walls and I was most intrigued by your flying days. I know you are in a plane somewhere with Grandma Martha by your side enjoying yourself. I wish we could have flown together with you as the pilot. You would have shown me wonders.
Last Father's Day, 2004, I didn't know it was going to be my last Father's Day with you. I remember walking into your hospital room and just smiling because I knew you were going to be okay. You had such a strong spirit and you hated being stuck in a hospital! I got to know my family and I thank you for that!
Every time you went into the hospital, I worried that it would be the last time! I was so afraid that I wouldn't get the chance to say goodbye! When I came to Phoenix and saw you for the last time, I told you "I love you!" and you squeezed my hand. That is the moment I knew I would be okay if it was time for you to move on.
I have grown since that trip to Phoenix and I know that you will always be watching over me!
I love you with all of my heart!
Love always and forever--
MaryEllen
Charles C. Ellis
May 26, 2005
Yesterday, 5/25/05, was the day that you anticipated and planned for some time.
On 5/19/05, MaryEllen completed and turned in a lengthy school project in which she was required to write chapters about her life - past, present, and future. As required, she solicited letters from family and close adult friends concerning the same three timeframes. (As I wrote my letter to her about the past, Dad, I realized, once again, how much of an influence you were in her life.) The format I used for my letter concerning her "past" included photos of you and MNE, specifically one of you two in the red convertible.
In your spirit, and with the twinkle in my eye that would make you proud, I also slipped a "surprise" note into her packet of letters. That letter was from you to MNE concerning the Mustang convertible which she had never seen. I remember the giggles, the smiles, and, indeed, the twinkles that you emitted whenever you spoke about giving MNE that car!! You always said that you wished you could be there to see her face when she received the car, but the way you set it up, you would be in Heaven when that happened. True to your wish, Dad, that moment occurred 5/25/05 when MNE opened all of the sealed letters from people including you, her mom, her coach, her guardian, Cheryl, and me. The one letter that made her instantly emotional was, of course, the "surprise" one from you in which you explained your secret gift!!! Twas just the jaw-ratcheting surprise that you envisioned!! She had the exact reaction that you anticipated!! Always has been that way... always will be.
You helped her grow up knowing the love of a grandfather and she brought out the "kid" in you. You two were quite a pair whenever you were together! She loves you beyond words, Dad. You live in her heart, her soul, and even in her personality, her actions, her conscience, and her everyday life. She awakens to your picture on her desk. An email from you to her remains taped to the bathroom mirror where it has been since 11/03. She wears your emblem on her band uniform for each concert. She cherishes your patch jacket. All year, she has carried a beautifully written letter you wrote to her years ago in the plastic cover of her notebook. She felt and reciprocated love, Dad. Your surprise is just one more example of an indelible memory that she will carry with her and someday share with her children. You did it just the way you intended, Dad!! Kudos and a "thumbs up" on yet another one of your many signature "surprises" that you loved to bestow on friends and family!!
CCE
Fred Alfano
May 25, 2005
My friend, Chuck….
What is the preeminent definition of a friend? There are many. Friends can be many, some will take advantage of your weaknesses. Some are even there just for money. If you are truly fortunate, some will touch your heart.
A true Friend is the whole world from inside. A reliable comfort zone, who is there by your side, every time you need him. He is the person who listens, and is always there to hear you. He is someone who knows everything about you and still calls you friend! Isn’t it true that friends turn to each other in times of trouble? A friend helps you put your past behind you, but understands when you need to hold on to it just a little longer. A friend always laughs with you, never at you.
Friendships are a journey. Often the road is smooth, but sometimes the road is peppered with bumps and detours. Friendship will always prevail.
Few things are more painful than for a friend to die. As in every area of my life, I always remain certain that God is sovereign -- no matter how painful the circumstances. I now often have to remind myself that God allowed the life of this friendship to grow because it was good and true, honest and comfortable and yet, God also allowed his life to end, but only to end in this the only world I know. Chuck, you will live on in the sanctuary of my heart and when this old heart stops beating we will be laughing together again for an eternity.
A true friend is the person who gives you the better of the two choices. He is the person who always lets you have the bright red crayon when all that was left was the ugly black one.
This -- was my friend Chuck.
Margaret Stowe
May 23, 2005
Dear Chuck:
Thanks pal, for leaving me at the dinner table that last night when we dined together at the lodge – without even a “Good Bye Hug”, just the usual, “See you tomorrow”. Chuck, the short time I knew you was a great joy!
Since I have already served 98 years in this life – who knows, maybe I’ll be at the end of the line to meet you and your sweet wife!
Bless your heart – and a thousand “Thanks” for the short but great friendship!!
Margaret Stowe
Charley Rudd
May 22, 2005
MY OLE FRIEND CHUCK--
THERE ARE NEVER ENOUGH WORDS TO SAY WHAT MUST BE SAID AT A TIME LIKE THIS--YOU HAVE ALWAYS BEEN A TRUE, GENEROUS, LOVABLE, AND GRACIOUS FRIEND TO ME AND I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU. I HAVE ENJOYED YOUR STUPID, SILLY JOKES SO MUCH THAT WHEN WE FIRST MET YEARS AGO, I STARTED A PRIVATE FILE ON YOU ON MY COMPUTER AND MIGHTY GLAD I DID BECAUSE EVERYTIME I FEEL DOWN AND NEED A LIFT, ALL I HAVE TO DO IS OPEN YOUR FILE AND READ SOME OF YOUR JOKES OR JUST LOOK AT SOME OF THE OUTRAGIOUS PICTURES OF YOU AND OF ALL THREE OF US AMIGOS AND REMEMBER HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU. GOD BLESS YOU CHUCK AND AS OUR BUDDY FRED SAID, THERE WILL ALWAYS BE A SPACE AT OUR BOOTH AT I-HOPS FOR YOU. I FEEL LIKE I AM A BETTER MAN BECAUSE OF YOU AND YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY HEART.
CHARLEY RUDD (SUN CITY WEST, AZ.)
MANDYDOG 2 AT JUNO .COM
Anna Kate Cascio
May 22, 2005
Hello,
I only recently found Chuck. He and I were email buddies that mostly just tried to figure out how we were related and to talk medicine. I think we figured that we were 3rd cousins, since Mina is my 2nd cousin, but I am not good at that game. He was always very interested in Naturopathic medicine and we emailed about the similarities and the differences of our different forms of medicine. He was very open and honest with me about his thoughts and I miss that perspective. I will miss him. Comfort to you all.
Love, Anna Kate Cascio
June Woodrum
May 21, 2005
My Dear Friend Chuck:
Unintentionally, You and I did get to say our final "Goodbye". At the time, it was a prank we played in the middle of the street! We were entertaining (and confusing) some of the people watching us from the windows of your apartment house. When you called my attention to it, I said "Heck, let's really give them something to talk about!" I wound my arms around your neck and we exchanged a passionate kiss just as you helped me into my car which was parked in the street in front of your apartment. You stood on the curb and waved a frantic "Goodbye". I'm sure they wondered why we were laughing so hard!
You were always so sweet, kind and thoughtful with a sense of humor. We saw each other thru a lot of good and bad times because we were always "THERE' for each other. Neither of us ever asked for more than a solid friendship and felt blessed for having it! I miss your sense of humor and your wonderful smile. Chuck, when I arrive there someday, Just be sure to greet me in the same enthusiastic way that you said "Goodbye".
Love, June
Darlene Auten
May 21, 2005
Dear Chuck,
Where do I begin? Since we first met nine years ago, a friendship developed with kindness and love of a fellow human being. Oh! the memories. I remember the sympathy and the rose Martha and you brought to us when our beloved Golden Retriever died. How I enjoyed the times Martha and you would casually drop by - Martha and I drinking Irish Cream coffee, talking girl talk and you and Ken recalling your military days.
I remember your laughter, echoing through the halls of Boswell Hospital, or at CoCo's on Grand Avenue where the four of us would frequent 6-7 times a week. Quite ironically the other day when Fred called, I found a Christmas ornament from you. I remember the white elephant sale where you won a woman's black teddy. I still have a picture of Martha and you, everyone laughing when you held up and modeled the teddy.
I remember the time an issue arose and I wrote an opinion that was different than yours. There were no angry words but we drifted apart, no communicating for about a year - until - one Sunday we met in a resturant - many hugs and the tears were plentiful - then you went home to get your car to take Ken and I home. Same Chuck - same kindness!
Several days before you entered Thunderbird Banner Hospital we had lunch together. I am so thankful we had this time together, sharing thoughts, knowing we had a God given friendship that withstood the "Sands of time".
We Love you Chuck. Thanks for the memories.
Darlene
Barbara Ellis-Holm
May 19, 2005
Dad,
I have been trying to figure out what to write here and I don't have a clue. I am so glad we have gotten so close. I miss our daily good morning emails (I still do once and a while). I miss calling you just to see how are you doing. I miss you!!!
Love you, Barb
(tell Mom hi xo xo)
Clifford G. McCollum
May 14, 2005
May 14, 2005
Friend Chuck...
You died four weeks ago today and I’ve spent the month struggling with the fact of your mortality since I’ve always felt you’d be available as one with whom I could share my ambitions, my joys, and my sorrows. It’s lonely already without you.
We didn’t have a lot of time to spend with each other in person. We were middle-aged when we came to know each other. Our socioeconomic backgrounds were quite different, but there was something that developed between us in our common interests in scholarship and in our love and concern for our families and all of God’s creation that transcended those differences. As our professional lives separated us we always kept in touch, and I have many poignant memories, grading from humorous to disconsolate, garnered from our intimate sharings over the years.
We had more of a collegial relationship when you were enrolled at Iowa State Teachers than a student-teacher one, but I was proud to be chairman of your master’s research and thesis. I am also vain enough to believe I had some influence in encouraging you to pursue your Ph. D. program.
Thanks for granting me a niche in your rich life. Rest in Peace! Clifford G. McCollum
Barbara Swiger
May 14, 2005
I had a thoughtful day yesterday when my new issue of Arizona Highways came. It was just one of the many generous ways that Chuck touched my life. I think of him daily but I was especially thoughtful of him yesterday. He will remain in my memories forever and those memories always bring a smile to my face. He was so special and so full of laughter and love. I miss him and his e-mails and phone calls. My thoughts and my prayers go out to his family and friends. Barbara Swiger
Donna Roth
May 12, 2005
You are still touching my life, Chuck.... today the Arizona Highways Magazine came...Thank You so much for being such a generous friend to so many people.... You were a one of a kind treasure!
Yolonda Moore
May 10, 2005
Jeff has been so very kind to my family. He worked with my daughter who was killed in a car wreck. He showed such compassion for our family when that happened. I know his father must have been one of the examples for Jeff. I am so sorry Jeff and his family have to experience pain and grief at this time. I guess there is no good time for it, but how I wish we didn't have to live with sorrow. My prayers are with you, Jeff. Know that always.
Jamie Looney
May 10, 2005
I worked with Jeff at Texas Tech and think the world of him, Jamie, and Jonathan. My prayers are with him and all of his family.
Debbie Mingo
May 9, 2005
My heart goes to the Ellis family in the death of Chuck Ellis. I had met him once at his house while I went with Jeff and Jamie (at this time they were sweethearts) visiting for the weekend. I remembered him as a sweet and loving man.
Gregory/Cynthia Dalen
May 9, 2005
We graduated from High School with Jeff Ellis in 1971.. our sympathies go to Jeff and all the families and extended families of Chuck,knowing that Chuck is reunited with his beloved wife again in Heaven.Chuck was truly blessed knowing and touching the lives of everyone who knew him.. God's blessing is upon you all.
Mark and Mary Dickson
May 9, 2005
God has used Chuck in many different ways and now he's home.
Marian Davenport
May 8, 2005
I charish the time I had with you and your family during my college years at Iowa State when you and Mrs. Ellis (Martha) let me take care of the "kids". I miss you both. All my love and sympathy to Charlie, Barb, Chris, Jeff and Jim.
Jonathan Ellis
May 6, 2005
Grandpa Ellis,
I never really got to know you like I wanted to because we lived so far apart, but I always loved you. I'll miss you a lot. Can't wait to see you in Heaven. You were awesome!!!!!!
Love,
Jonathan
Pastor John & Connie Ritter
May 5, 2005
Our deepest condolences go out to you all, especially the family of Jeff Ellis (Lubbock). Although we have never met Charles, we know we'll meet someday up there in gloryland. He's now 'safe in the arms of Jesus' & forever he'll stay there, free from this world's trials & temptations! Maranatha,
Cheryl Smith
May 4, 2005
My Dear Chuck,
Thank you so very much for the love you shared with us. The smile you put on MaryEllen's face. The early morning internet sessions with your son, Charlie! I smile just thinking of you......looking down on us.......knowing how loved you are!!!
Donna Roth
May 2, 2005
My Darling Chuck..... We shared so many laughs and tears but now I must cry alone. Those of us, who loved you so much, could not protect you from the finality of death but I must believe that you are content at last. Life had become such a struggle for you and now you are able to soar again.
I will so miss your happy spirit, your loving ways and I'll forever cherish the days we shared. I know that you are spreading your own special humor and happiness in heaven. How lucky they are to have you!
Spread your wings and fly high my love, with a grateful heart I thank you for the wonderful times you shared with me.... Donna
Frederica Agins
May 1, 2005
Godspeed Chuck,
We love you and miss you very much, but your joy, kindness, and humor, in the form of your sweet family and lovely friends is still blessing us. We hold you in our hearts.
love, Frederica & Fred
Leon "Ditz" Ditzell
April 30, 2005
To My Cobber Chuck
Our brotherly friendship began on 29 September 1944 when we became tentmates at Officers Candidate School in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. Then on 6 September 1994, almost 50 years after our graduation on 29 January 1945, you by your unrelenting tenacity and communicative prowness renewed our friendship with generosity, warmth and closeness that set you apart from anyone I ever knew. Your heart was so large you shared it with many people. You know, I'm sure, that I miss you and our many contacts these last ten years and had teared eyes like we both did many times over the phone. We will renew that friendship and brotherly love when we meet again with all our loved ones in the Lord's house forever. Your brotherly Cobber,
James S. Mills
April 30, 2005
My Dear Friend Chuck -
What started at the Officers Candidate School some 6o years ago in Brisbane, Australia evolved, over the years, to a a unique and beautiful friendship. That you were able to locate your instructing officer after all those years was most flattering and certainly an attest to your persistence and communicative skills. What followed over the years was a developing friendship that was most important and meaningful to me and I wish you could somehow know that I am missing and will forever miss that friendship.
Your Friend - Jim Mills
Mina Ellis Otis
April 30, 2005
Dear dear Chuck, Thank you for the memories we so loved sharing -- Ray and Hoot, Midge and Mel, Charles City, Buster, THE SUSPENSION BRIDGE!! Thank you for letting us visit with you in AZ -- and for the terrific hugs. Thank you for the e-mails, especially the FUNNY ones! Thank you for your warmth, humor, honesty, and your love, Chuck. You'll be in our hearts and minds always.
Tom and Mina
PS: Save us a place next to you!
Jeffrey Ellis
April 29, 2005
Dad,
I want to thank you so much for being my dad and for not rejecting me as I am deaf.
I miss Mom and you. Please tell her and everyone who knows me Hello for me while you are in Heaven. I love you.
allie ellis
April 28, 2005
Grandpa,
i will miss you terribly. but i will always remember spending time with you and grandma. love you always!!!! miss you tons!!!!!
your oldest granchild,
allie ellis
Jeanne Cooley
April 28, 2005
Chuck, I didn't know you well, but the relationship that you and my sister's family - Richard, Debbie & Zachery Hartley - shared was something special to behold. As Debbie battled MS, your humor, wisdom, and generosity of spirit carried her through bad days. She looked forward to your calls and e-mails. Her whole family counted you as a dear friend. I will miss your funny, gentle presence as it affected the Hartley's life. God speed.
Deb, Richard and Zachery Hartley
April 28, 2005
Oh Chuck!
Our world seems so empty without your love and laughter. You were the most intelligent, empathetic, gentle and loving man we have ever known. We had wonderful times with you ... riding on Lady of the Lake at Clear Lake, going to Shattuck and Carlton with you, touring Charles City, reliving your life through your books and memories, visiting the Little Brown Church, chasing the geese in the school yard in our golf cart. So many happy times together ... our searches together on ebay for medical books and military music ... Your sharing with Zach your mutual love of airplanes and flying stories. We thank you for all you did for us. We had experiences and adventures we never could have had without you. I miss your suppertime phone calls and your million emails. Your courage and dedication in all things taught us much. Your laughter and stories brought us such joy. You will always be in our hearts. Our memories of you will be a cherished part of Zach's life too. We love and miss you.
Sheila Babendir
April 27, 2005
I will miss you Chuck. You always encouraged me to go above and beyond what I thought I could do. You always had a joke to tell, and a new person to meet. You were a generous soul with a heart of gold. Bruce,Brianna, Jacob, Kim, Beth, and Jen will miss you as well. I have so many memories of you from riding in your airplane to having Friday morning brekkie. I know you are happy in heaven with the rest of your loved ones. Please look down on us and help us through our earthly lives. You were an angel on earth so I'm sure you are a guardian angel in heaven.
You'll always be in my heart.
Angela Strege
April 27, 2005
This is "the woman to whom you have spoken" many times long ago. May peace be with you in your new home.
Mel Ellis
April 27, 2005
Dear Chuck...Well, you're gonna get to Heaven before I do, so be sure to tell all our people that I'm comin', too. Say a special hello to all the Ellis folks from Iowa...Mel, Midge, CD, AE, Ray and Gwin, Hoot and Zeze, and all the other wonderful members of the clan. They are going to be awfully glad to have you back with them.
Bless you and keep you, now and forever. Amen.
Jamie Ellis
April 27, 2005
SOLDIER WON THE BATTLE
When I came into his life he was getting on in years
Still strong enough to work, but soft enough for tears.
Eyes so full of wisdom, a heart as pure as gold,
Never once afraid of dying, but he dreaded growing old.
The soldier won the battle, He's in gloryland somewhere.
The soldier won the battle, no more aging there.
Living now with Jesus, waiting 'til we come
Busy for the Master, forever always young.
I never knew another man that could love so much.
He was firm in his convictions, but tender with his touch.
Strictly from the old school, each thing was right or wrong,
And the weakening of his body just made his spirit strong.
The soldier won the battle, He's in gloryland somewhere.
The soldier won the battle, no more aging there.
Living now with Jesus, waiting 'til we come
Busy for the Master, forever always young.
Barbara Swiger
April 27, 2005
The world will be a little sadder place now that Chuck has moved on to be with the his Lord. I will miss his laughter and his ever- present faith in people. He was always there when he was needed, no questions asked. Friends like Chuck are hard to find. I know he helped me through a difficult time and I hoped I helped him when he was having difficulties. He had a little boy innocence that endeared him to me. He will be missed every day.
Fred Alfano
April 26, 2005
Chuck my friend, keep couple of chairs at the breakfast table for Charlie and me. We will all be there sharing a few laughs sooner than we know. There will always be a seat at Brenda's for you.
I am comforted just knowing that your pain is gone and you have found the peace that you have been desperately searching for these past few years.
May God bless you and keep you close.
Another ole friend - Fred
Fred Alfano
April 25, 2005
He has put on invisibility
Dear Lord, I cannot see-
But this I know, although the road
ascends
And passes from my sight,
That there will be no night;
That you will take him gently by the hand
And lead him on
Along the road of life that never ends, and he will find that it is not death - but dawn.
I do not doubt that You are there as here
And you will hold him dear.
Our life did not begin with birth,
It is not of this earth;
And this that we call death, it is no more
Than an opening and closing of a door-
And in your house how many rooms
must be
Beyond this one where we rest momently.
Dear Lord, I thank You for the faith
that frees,
The love that knows it cannot lose its own;
The love that, looking through the shadows, sees
That you and I are ever one!
THE TRAVELER by James Dillet Freeman
Charles C. Ellis
April 25, 2005
We all miss you, Dad. Please dance a slow one with Mom. Say "hi" to Grammy, Carlisle, Ethel, Bampa, Nanny, Donald, Prince, Pooch, Boots,Petey, Mr. and Mrs. Gaylen Johnson, Tony Johnson, Larry Carr, Augie Cardiel, Ilza Niemack, Bill Fix, and all of the others that have touched any of our lives. You live on in our hearts.
Jamie Ellis
April 25, 2005
Dad,
We love you and miss you. I know you are happy with Mom by your side, walking on the streets of gold! Tell my grandparents hi for me! I've cherished being your daughter-in-law!
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