Ellie Rossi

1946 - 2025

With heavy hearts and deep love, we share the passing of our beloved Ellie Rossi, a remarkable woman whose warmth, compassion, and laughter touched everyone she met. Ellie left this world on November 18th, 2025, at Loma Linda University Medical Center, with her devoted husband, Bill Stokes, holding her hand. Her journey on Earth ended peacefully, surrounded by the love she so generously gave throughout her life.

Born on May 5th, 1946 as Margaret Eleanor Rasso, Ellie grew up in a large, lively family with twelve brothers and sisters. Her childhood shaped her generous spirit, her quick wit, and her unshakable resilience. She spent her early years in Moline, Illinois, before eventually settling in Yucaipa, California, where she lived out her later years with grace, warmth, and quiet strength until she traveled to the greater beyond.

Family was at the center of Ellie's life. She is survived by her loving husband Bill, and her cherished children Tony, Don, Jeff, and Marge. She endured the unimaginable heartbreak of losing two of her children, David and Lisa, a sorrow she carried with profound courage and enduring faith.

Her legacy continues through her 17 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren, who brought her immense pride and joy. Her beloved dogs-Joe, Poe, and Enzo-were never far from her side, completing the loving family she grew and nurtured.

Ellie dedicated much of her life to caring for others at Riverside Community Hospital, leaving a lasting impression on patients and colleagues alike. After retirement, she continued to serve her community in deeply meaningful ways. She spoke at events and support groups for parents of murdered children, sharing her story with courage and compassion, offering comfort, healing, and hope. Through her words, she empowered countless others on their own paths to healing.

Throughout her life, Ellie shared a remarkable bond with her husband, Bill. Together, they faced the later challenges of her health with strength and devotion, finding a love deeper than they could have ever imagined. Bill always reminded her that she was the prettiest woman in the room, and towards the end of her time here, she would reassure him with her humor and courage, saying, "William, I am not dying!" What wasn't clear at the time, but is now, is that she meant her love and spirit are undying.

Ellie Rossi will be remembered for her gentle heart, her boundless compassion, her witty humor, and the warmth she carried into every space and every relationship. Her presence was a gift, her absence immeasurable, and her memory a blessing that will live on through the family she adored and the countless lives she touched.

May she rest peacefully, reunited with her children who have passed, and may her family find comfort in the beautiful life she lived and the enduring legacy of love she leaves behind.

A public viewing will be held at Desert Lawn Funeral Home in Calimesa, CA, on Dec. 18 from 4 to 6 p.m.; funeral services will follow on Dec. 19 at 11 a.m.

Contributions in Ellie"s memory can be made to:

Families & Friends of Murder Victims, PO Box 11222, San Bernardino, CA 92423-1222.