Martha Jane "Marty" Ellis

1945 - 2025

Martha Jane "Marty" Ellis, 80, of Blackfoot, Idaho, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on September 1, 2025.

Marty was born on April 24, 1945, to Thomas Horton and Rita Myrl Williams. She was raised in Thomas, Idaho, on her family's farm, where she quickly learned the value of hard work and developed a lifelong dislike of milk, often joking that she "knew where it came from." Marty graduated from Snake River High School in 1963 and went on to attend Ricks College. After graduation, she spent a memorable summer in West Yellowstone as part of the cast at the Playmill Theatre, an experience she cherished throughout her life.

In 1965, Marty married her high school sweetheart, Eddie, and together they built a life centered on faith, family, and service. She began teaching elementary school shortly after their marriage and devoted many years to shaping young minds, primarily as a third-grade teacher. She had the unique privilege of teaching the children of former students, a testament to her lasting impact on the community. However, she knew it was time to retire when former students' grandchildren were starting school. Her family continues to hear from former students that she was their favorite teacher.

Outside of the classroom, Marty was a woman of many talents and hobbies. She loved a good book, tending her garden, ATV riding, fishing, and filling her home with music at the piano. With her crochet hook always close at hand, she made countless afghans for loved ones and donated dozens of stocking caps to local school children. Marty also had a famous ability to fall asleep anywhere, but most memorably during movies-her family often joked that she never made it past the opening credits before her snores became part of the soundtrack.

Marty was also a true and loyal friend. She had a gift for seeing when someone needed a little extra love, and she would step in without hesitation-often "adopting" people as if they were family. She faithfully wrote letters and notes, keeping in touch with friends near and far, and made it a priority to nurture those connections. To know Marty was to feel included, cared for, and remembered.

After retiring, Marty and Eddie served multiple missions together in Nauvoo, Illinois; Salt Lake City, Utah; Blackfoot, Idaho; and Omaha, Nebraska. These experiences deepened their love for each other and their faith, and they made lifelong friends along the way.

Marty is survived by her children, Valden J., Reina, and Edene; her sister Mary; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents; her son Wade; her sisters, Carol, Charlotte, and Rita Rae; and her beloved husband, Eddie.

A viewing will be held at Hawker Funeral Home on Friday, September 5, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. An additional viewing will take place on Saturday, September 6, at 1:00 p.m. at the Moreland Church building, with funeral services to follow. The church is located at 740 West 175 North in Blackfoot.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Samara Roberts of Senior Life Management for her compassionate and loving care of Marty.