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Erika Ellis Obituary
Erika was born August 14, 1963 in Salt Lake City, Utah and married Dean Ellis on February 17, 1982.
Erika loved Dean in a way that was open (annoying) and kind (inspiring), but she also loved winning arguments with him (she was always right!). She had many good friends, and many, many hobbies (obsessions). She consistently prioritized fun, time with her family, and she always joked in times of stress or sorrow.
She was known for being competitive, friendly, adventurous, and a fierce mama bear. She had a lifelong commitment to physical fitness, competed in gymnastics and volleyball, ran marathons, waterskied every summer, and hiked and walked miles and miles.
Erika loved being on the water, being warm, and snuggling her grandkids. We hope she's basking in the sun on a dock, enjoying some heavenly lake life in the hereafter.
She is survived by her husband, Dean Bay Ellis; her three children, Amanda Francis (Mike), Braden Ellis (Hanna), and Caitlyn Cascade (James); her 7 grandchildren, Dexter Francis, Elinor Francis, Miles Francis, Olivia Ellis, Rexford Ellis, Lucy Ellis, and Mina Cascade; her parents, Wayne and Dorleen Jenson; and her siblings, Greg Jenson, Dianna Shumway, Janna Christensen (Dan), Jeff Jenson (Julie), and Krista Wilcox-Jordison (Kurt).
A viewing will be held 6-8 p.m. Friday, March 28 in the church at 8825 S 1095 W, West Jordan UT 84088. A memorial service in Erika's honor will be held at 11 a.m.Saturday, March 29 in the church at 12173 S 4000 W, Riverton UT 84096, with visiting beforehand starting at 10 a.m.
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Jeff jenson
April 11, 2025
We will always cherish these adventures with Dean and Erika!
Bruce and Pam Avery
April 1, 2025
We find ourselves, as friends, and neighbors sharing in the loss of Erica Ellis´ passing.
We are Bruce and Pam Avery
We live in the same neighborhood, as the Ellis´ did, for many years. We remember her strong athletic body and her willingness to compete, and win, with others, with similar qualities
Her life was very productive. She will be blessed forever because of this.
His coworkers loved him as close friends.
She certainly was lovingly received, in heaven, by her family, who have previously passed.
May you all be blessed with love, peace, support, courage and strength at this heart wrenching time.
God´s blessings will be with all of you.
We are also with you, and share in the pain of her passing.
May you all be blessed by memories of your mother, grandmother, wife, sister, aunt and friend.
Thank you all.
We love you all.
Bruce and Pam Avery
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Ashlee Stone
March 29, 2025
Beautiful Erika Jenson Ellis- How I Love You so much- I´m so proud to have known you for so many years! I´m so thankful for you always being in my life though special needs Mutal! Please continue to watch over Dean and your beautiful family and friends! I love you forever ! Hope Heaven is Beautiful! You are Truly Missed! Thanks for all the Beautiful Memories! Love you Always and Forever Ashlee Stone
Natalie
March 29, 2025
Erika was such a light in my life. I will forever be changed by her. I am already drafting my bucket list so I can be adventurous like she was. And I am roping my husband into it too so we can be more like Dean and Erika! Who will always be my couple goals. Sending All of our love to Dean and the Ellis family.
Love, Natalie and Alan Peterson
Codi Thomas
March 28, 2025
Oh Erika. You will always hold a special place in my heart. You and "the happy bald guy" as my kids so lovingly called Dean, are a perfect example of letting love guide your life.
Thanks for the memories and can´t wait to get up there and see you again!
Steve and Denise Reese
March 28, 2025
Our heartfelt condolences to my cousin Erika's family. She will be greatly missed. Will be keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Judy Nebel
March 28, 2025
Erika was one of my besties and a neighbor in Riverton. She was a hoot and and a best buddy. I hope they have Diet Dr. Pepper in heaven. I love you Erika and I´m grateful for the time we´ve had as friends and partners in crime.
Love Judy Nebel and family
Mary Poelman
March 28, 2025
I spent a lot of time pounding volleyballs with Erika many years ago. We had a blast! She encouraged me to set a goal with her to work toward doing the splits again. For me, THAT wasn´t going happen but I loved her heart of gold. I was saddened to hear she passed away, and I´m pretty sure she´ll find Sally and bang balls again in heaven!!
I know Erika touched a lot of lives for good as she did mine. She will be deeply missed! Sending my love to her family
Paul Searing
March 28, 2025
My deepest condolences to Dean, the Ellis family, and all who knew and loved Erika. May you be blessed and comforted at this most difficult time.
Jeff Whisenant
March 27, 2025
Erika and Dean are heroes to me. They were friends and examples of what I hoped for as a youth. Erika lit up any space she was in. My prayers are with Dean and your family in this time of loss.
Becky Swain
March 27, 2025
Hiked Timp with Erika in August. It was a day enjoying beautiful wildflowers and a beautiful person. She taught me how to use my camera and shared her life story. Can´t believe Erika- the picture of health- is gone. Prayers for Dean and all family.
My girls had Erika as their YW leader, and they loved her.
Emily and Ryan Welker
March 27, 2025
Erika will be so missed! She was so fun and wonderful! Every memory I have of her is full of joy. I´m so sorry she had to leave this life so soon. We love you guys and know you´ll be with her again someday. Until then I´m sure she´ll be keeping an eye on all of you. Hopefully you can feel her with you still.
Dean Carlson
March 27, 2025
Amanda and Mike,
I am sorry to hear about your loss. Although I never met her your Mom sounded like an exceptional person.
Your office mate/ friend,
Dean
Kendra Divine
March 27, 2025
To the Ellis Family- our neighborhood was so lucky to have your family move in, remodel your home, and become part of us, even though you moved away after a few years. Your mother, her positive view of people, and her smile found a place in our hearts, and we continue to call her our friend.
My thoughts are with each of you as you focus on her life and her influence on each of you. I particularly think of the wonderful relationship between your parents and how they found joy being with each other.
Diane Bigger
March 27, 2025
Ericka is a wonderful, vibrant, loving person. I know her from volleyball. It was always so fun to play with her. She lit up the court and made the play exciting. She touched my life in so many ways. I won't be at the viewing or funeral physically, but will be there in spirit.
Diane Bigger
Ilene Stubbs
March 27, 2025
Oh Erika, your sparkle and sunshine will be missed. I cherish our frank discussions as we traveled to or from our volleyball tournaments down south. I´m grateful I was able to meet your mom, dad and sister. Their love and support was a joy to see. Dean´s respect and love for you - impressive. Your family was richer because of you. Rest in peace my friend.
Moaana Bruggeman
March 26, 2025
Erika was full of vim & vigor with a big smile! Her energy was contagious, & you always felt pumped up doing sports with her!
I first met her & got to know her in stake Volleyball, she made it so fun & competitive too!! Much love to all her family!
James Nielsen
March 26, 2025
Dean and kids,
My heart breaks for you. I pray that you may feel the comforting peace that the Gospel brings. I know that she is still around and will be involved in your lives, because she always chose you first in this life.
James & Giana Nielsen
Doug and Debbie Jenson
March 26, 2025
Dean and Family,
We're so sorry to hear of your loss. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Dorleen Jenson
March 26, 2025
No words can convey the depth of my love or my sorrow. I'm so grateful I was able to be Erika's mom on our journey here. I find peace in knowing we will continue to journey together on the other side. (I'm counting on this old body being restored so I can keep up with her!)
I am so blessed to have Dean, the grandkids, and great grandkids in my life. I love this awesome family.
Wayne joins me in these sentiments.
Love,
Mom, G'ma, GG'ma
Dorleen
Diann Wayman
March 25, 2025
Erika was always so much fun to play volleyball with. She always made us laugh and just thinking about that toothy grin of hers brings a smile to my face. She will be greatly missed.
Barbara Newman
March 25, 2025
This is such a shock and so very sad. I admired her so much. She was sweet and kind and so much fun to be around. I´m so very sorry for you all.
Janice Brown
March 25, 2025
I remember the sweet time r spent at Philmont together.
Bethann Maryin
March 25, 2025
I'm still in such disbelief that this stupid cancer took our friend. She was one of the strongest most physically fit people I never known. I will miss her so much, The trips we took, the talks we had, will always be among my fondest memories. Dean, I can't imagine the loss you must feel. I'm so glad you're blessed with such a large loving family who can envelop you for comfort.
Steve Wallis
March 25, 2025
Erika was a wonderful friend and a joy to be around Pam and I will miss her very much. We enjoyed being on the water together, traveling together and of course playing cards together, however I always suspected Erika and Pam cheated because they beat Dean and I way too often. Our children grew up together and she was family to all of us. Our hearts are broken, knowing that our time together here is over, but believe that God has a plan for friends to be reunited in heaven! Ellis family we love you and pray that you will be comforted in your beliefs. Steve and Pam Wallis and family
Kris Porter
March 25, 2025
When I think of Erika I think of her beautiful, happy and mischievous smile (and giggle) that immediately made you want to be with her. Somehow you knew whatever she was doing - it was going to be fun and you didn't want to miss out. I have missed you since jr. high and high school and thought of you often Erika. You have always been and will always be a light to all who had the opportunity to know you.
Cindy Hardy
March 25, 2025
My heart hurts for the amazing, beautiful Ellis/Jensen family. Dean and Erika are my favorite couple ever! I have always been envious of their beautiful relationship. I have loved watching how proud Erika is of her kids and grandkids. She will be deeply missed
Julie Garner
March 25, 2025
Erika, thanks for being real and showing us how to have joy in life! We will love you forever! Love, Scott and Julie Garner and family
Annette Gibson
March 25, 2025
We are so sorry for your loss of Erika! I hate that we lost touch with you guys but we have always felt that we have that forever friendship! Please know we are thinking of you and pray that you will find peace during such a hard time!
Anette and Craig Gibson
Faith Wallin
March 25, 2025
Faye Facundo
March 25, 2025
Faye Ellis Facundo
You will be missed by many
Carol Starr Nash
March 25, 2025
Erika and I met as lake neighbors here in Michigan ... i felt like i had known her my whole life! Our personalities clicked from the get go! Full of life and always smiling... she was a such a kind, loving and wonderful example of the perfect woman/human! She deserves to be celebrated and honored as she embodies the kind of person we should all aspire to be... caring, joyful and full of happiness and joy!
She loved Dean and her kids and
grandkids and she
loved life! I will miss her smiling face and her kind words as well as her delicious cookies! I will still talk to her when i am on the lake... and watch for her to send me signs from above! Peace my friend! Free to fly with the angels until we meet again!
Debbie Donaldson
March 25, 2025
I met Erika playing volleyball. She was super friendly and fun. I´ve kept up with her and all of her adventures through FB. I´m so saddened by this news. She was way too young to be taken. Condolences to Erika´s family.
Debbie Donaldson
Derek Jenson
March 25, 2025
I love you Erika and will miss you! You were always such a wonderful aunt and made me feel so loved and welcome. Looking forward to visiting you in the next life.
Chris Quincy
March 25, 2025
So full of fun and life! She is so missed!
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