Laura M. Ellis

Laura Marie Ellis was welcomed into the world by her loving parents, Robert & Johanna Ellis, on March 29, 1961 in San Diego, California. Her eternal homecoming occurred on September 19, 2024; celebrated by her Heavenly Father and welcomed once again by her loving parents who preceded her in death. Laura leaves behind four siblings (Eric, Karen, Chad, and Nancy), ten nieces and nephews, and eleven great nieces and nephews. She loved well, and was well loved.
Known affectionately as "Aunt Laurie" and "Miss Ellis," Laura's purpose and calling in life was as the world's best aunt and educator. She poured endlessly into her nieces and nephews. She showered them with books, treats, and spoiled "her kids" in ways that their parents would not- even going the extra mile to fill up the inflatable pool with warm water that she painstakingly carried by bucket from the indoor utility sink on Fieldcrest. She hosted sleep overs at Granny's house, trips to the zoo and beach, and was the biggest fan and cheerleader for her nieces and nephews. When her nieces and nephews began having children, Aunt Laurie showered them with baby clothes, toys, and snuggles. She served more as a grandmother than a great aunt, and spent countless hours facetiming the kids to keep up to date on their lives. Aunt Laurie never missed a birthday or holiday which she commemorated with thoughtful cards and dollars snuck in as "shopping around money." She was generous in all ways, but especially with her time and affection.
As a teacher, Miss Ellis worked in schools across several cities including Jordan Valley, Yakima, and Vancouver. Most recently she taught high school classes to students online. Teaching online did not prevent Miss Ellis from connecting personally with her students. She was proud of her students and often spoke about the resilience and creativity they demonstrated. She was eager to help students get caught up if they fell behind. She had a knack for observing the unique strengths in her students, and boosted their confidence by acknowledging their effort and skill. She wanted her students to succeed and considered it her personal responsibility to develop curriculum and pathways for each child to achieve success. Miss Ellis touched the hearts and lives of thousands of children over four decades of teaching. While the long reaching ripple effects may not have been evident to her while she was on earth, it is our hope that in Heaven she will know the full extent of the impact she had.
Laura had the heart of a servant and volunteered in her church and community. She was a patient and empathetic listener. She was the family historian, offering vast knowledge of the Ellis family tree, trials, and victories. She was a best friend to her mother, and carried on Granny's legacy by curating stories & photos about her for the next generation after Granny passed in 2008. Laura collected post cards, lighthouses, played the piano, and loved worshiping her Lord at church. Laura faced many health challenges during her life, but met each one with an inspiring strength and believed that there were lessons to be learned through her tribulations. Her motto was "one day at a time," and she dutifully lived that out with perseverance and a profound and durable optimism. We celebrate her life, we are grateful for the way she blessed us, and we take comfort knowing that she is in Heaven for eternity.