Joy Okland Ellis

Joy Okland Ellis 1955 ~2004  Joy Okland Ellis, our loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, niece and friend, returned home to her Father in Heaven on May 8, 2004 after a courageous battle with Leukemia.  Joy, age 48, was born on August 16, 1955 to Jack and Jeanne Okland. She attended Highland High School and the University of Utah, where she was affiliated with the Alpha Chi Omega Sorority. On February 15, 1979, she married her eternal companion, Scott D. Ellis, in the Salt Lake Temple. Together they had three children - Emily, Kenyon, and Erica.  Joy had an active lifestyle. She loved crocheting, traveling, and bowling with her friends. Joy was also a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where she served in whatever way she was needed. Her favorite calling was Young Women's president, as she loved spending time with the youth. She was a leader and a friend. Yet her best friendships were those with her husband and children. Her family was always a priority and Joy dedicated her life to serving them and making their house a home. She loved being a mother and is certain to be watching over her children now. Joy will be remembered by her family as an example of unfailing love. She loved her family, her friends, her church, her Savior, and her life. She maintained a positive attitude in spite of her trials and had an amazing sense of humor. Her quick wit brought happiness to all those around her and buoyed her family. She faced adversity with determination and a smile. Joy never lost hope; her faith was inspiring. Joy is survived by her husband, Scott Ellis; her children, Emily Ellis Ferguson (Kevin), Kenyon Ellis, and Erica Ellis; her parents Jack Okland and Jeanne Grant Okland; her siblings Randy Okland (Sandra), Jill Okland Tuft (Tom), James Okland (Carolee), and sister-in-law Pam Okland; and her parents-in-law, Daniel Ellis and Norma Gutke Ellis. Joy is preceded in death by her brothers, Jeffrey Grant Okland and Jack Okland, Jr.; and her grandparents, John Okland Jr. and Martha Larsen Okland, and Clarence Grant and Ruby Beck Grant. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 13, 2004 at 12 p.m. at the Big Cottonwood 16th Ward, 1750 East Spring Lane. Friends may call Wednesday evening, from 6-8 p.m., at the Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 Highland Dr., Salt Lake City, Utah, and at the church on Thursday morning from 10:45-11:45 a.m. Interment: Wasatch Lawn Cemetery. Funeral Directors: Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park & Mortuary.  In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the cancer research fund of your choice.