David Rees Ells

David Rees Ells, 88, passed away peacefully at home in Scottsdale, Arizona, on April 30, 2025, after a courageous fight with cancer. He was surrounded by the family he loved deeply. David was born on October 8, 1936, in Chicago, Illinois, and grew up in the nearby suburb of Mount Prospect. In high school at Arlington Heights, he was an all-around athlete-playing football, basketball, and later joining the tennis team. He went on to study business at Northwestern University, where he was a member of the Theta Delta Chi fraternity, and graduated in 1958. Early in his career David discovered a passion for technology. He became a systems engineer at IBM, just as computers were starting to change the world. Over the years, he helped manage and improve data systems at major companies like Greyhound Corporation, Valley National Bank in Phoenix, and Seafirst Bank in Seattle. In 1984, he became a consultant, using his skills to help other businesses with database management. David moved to Seattle in the early 1980s and met the love of his life, Barbara Reading. They were married on August 17, 1985, and shared nearly four decades of adventure, love, and laughter. After retiring in 2000, they began spending winters in Scottsdale and eventually made it their full-time home in 2012. He and Barbara traveled the world together, visiting 58 countries and always eager to learn about new places and cultures. David especially loved the outdoors-camping with friends and family in the Pacific Northwest and once climbing Mount Rainier with his kids, a moment he considered one of his proudest achievements. Beyond work and adventure, David gave back. He volunteered at the local library helping people with their taxes and served meals at the East Valley Men's Shelter. He was active in his church community and known for his thoughtful nature. A friend once said, "When David spoke, it was always worth listening. He had a way of seeing things clearly and sharing insights that stuck with you." David was the only child of Ceril John Ells and Eleanor Wannemacher and had three half-siblings (Gale Ells Starr, Mabel Ells Meyers, and Edward Ells), all of whom passed before him. He is survived by his beloved wife Barbara, daughter Carolyn Cheverine (Vincent), and son Christopher Ells. He was a proud grandfather to Caitlin Osowski (Ben), Elizabeth Cheverine, Raquel Ells, Nicholas Ells, and Anthony Ells-and great-grandfather to Harrison Osowski. A service to celebrate his life will be held on May 31, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Saint Anthony on the Desert, 12990 East Shea Blvd, Scottsdale, with a reception afterward. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center online or at 1100 Fairview Ave N, Mail Stop J5-200, Seattle, WA 98109, or Saint Anthony on the Desert Episcopal Church, 12990 E Shea Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85259. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of David, please visit our floral store.