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Stephen Ellsworth Obituary
He was the son of the late Thyrle E. Ellsworth and Gladys M. Bischoff.
He is survived by his wife, Jill McNee Ellsworth; sons, Chad S. Ellsworth of Atlanta, Kenneth T. Ellsworth and wife, Leslie, of Atlanta, Ian A. Ellsworth of Colonial Heights, Va., and Rory C. Ellsworth and wife, Kristi, of Chester, Va.; also grandchildren, Danielle M. Ellsworth of Colonial Heights, Va., Dylan T. Ellsworth of Portland, Ore., and Kellan C. Ellsworth of Chester, Va.; father-in-law, Harold L. McNee and wife, Mary Lou, of Salt Lake City; brother-in-law, Brent L. McNee and wife, Cathie, of South Jordan, Utah.
Col. Ellsworth was commissioned an officer in the United States Army Quartermaster Corps upon graduating from the University of Utah with a bachelor of science degree in psychology in 1979. He proudly served his country for 32 years, including tours of duty at Fort Douglas, Utah, Tooele Army Depot, Utah, Fort Lee, Va., the United States Military Academy at West Point and the Pentagon. He was a graduate of the Quartermaster Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, the Command and General Staff College, and the Army War College. His awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal and the Army Staff Identification Badge. He played a vital role in the cleanup of the Pentagon following the 9/11 attacks and was actively involved in supporting the Wounded Warrior Transition Brigade at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. A lifelong academic, Stephen held degrees from Walden University, John Jay College of Criminal Justice and the University of Utah. For nine years he graciously and humbly shared his knowledge as professor of criminal justice and homeland security at St. Leo University. He was deeply religious and served in many callings throughout his life as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Stephen was a loving and generous soul whose mantra was "family first." He loved life alongside his glorious bulldog, Edith, and placed great care into the restoration of his '56 four-hole Buick, Buck. He loved music. He wrote and recorded progressive country songs under the moniker DocElls and became a diamond member of the Songwriters' Guild of America. He cherished the annual Ellsworth festivities at the beautiful shores of Nags Head, N.C. Stephen will be lovingly remembered for his eccentric sense of humor. He might pepper the most ordinary conversation with obscure movie quotes or compose some dry military memo in iambic pentameter. Above all, he will be remembered for his spirit of generosity, his random acts of kindness, his unconditional support of family and loved ones. He will be greatly missed by those who had the honor of knowing him.
A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, May 14, 2011, in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Prince George Ward, 4181 Prince George Drive, Prince George, VA 23875, with Robbie Vance officiating. Interment Southlawn Memorial Park, Prince George, Va. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, May 13, 2011, at the Colonial Heights Chapel of the E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes and Crematory, 2033 Boulevard, and also from 10 to 11 a.m. the day of the service at the church. Flowers are welcome or contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256. Condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Ellsworth
Sponsored by Jill M Ellsworth.
Janis Bischoff
May 13, 2024
Steve is my cousin.his mother and my dad were brother and sister.
We played together at Gordon Place when I lived there.
Over the past two weeks I have been thinking about him. Now I just found his obituary. He appears as a very accomplished person. I wish his wife and family the best even though we have never met. I currently live in Saratoga Springs Utah. Maybe some day our families can meet.
Again, it was sad to find out that Steve passed away. I wish his family the best
Rodger Bischoff
stephen grove
May 4, 2023
I remember Steve well, a fine gentleman who was always willing to help others in need.
Heather Hunter
May 4, 2020
We think of you often Steve & remember the funny happy times we shared. Miss you!
JOHN GOTHARD
May 5, 2019
Steve, I so miss our talks. Though infrequent at times, living so far apart, I always enjoyed catching up with you.
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G
February 6, 2016
I continue to feel your presence & still you are in my heart.
I miss you
Linda Harborth
November 11, 2014
Life isn't always black or white,
But somehow it has to be all right,
Understanding the feelings that remain,
Through a world you can't explain,
Will my answers lie within,
When the quiet sets in.
November 11, 2014
I'll never forget you.
L
Heather
November 11, 2014
Steve...you remain in our hearts, on our mind & a treasured memory! Miss you!!!
Jill Ellsworth
November 10, 2014
Stephen tomorrow would have been your 61st birthday, I miss you more every day. Thank you for watching over our family and for your service to our country.
Love you and miss you.
Your Eternal Wife, Jill.
Heather Hunter
October 9, 2013
We miss you dearly!
Deborah Brownlie
October 8, 2013
To my dear friend and former neighbor, and wonderful supporter, you will be missed Steve. Rest in peace, my deepest and belated sympathy and condolences to the Ellsworth family.
Deborah Brownlie
Mass (former resident of Alexandria, VA)
Rory
July 1, 2012
I miss you Pops.
It's been a little over a year since you had to leave but it doesn't feel like it has been that long. I still hear your voice asking me how I am doing, or cracking some weird random joke; slightly distasteful... I see your face every time I look into the mirror and it makes me sad but at the same time I am proud. You will never truly be gone because I look just like you and my son looks just like me. I wish you could see him now.
Donald Bagley
June 14, 2012
Jill: My condolences at the passing of Steve. Haven't been in touch for some time, but very fond memories of a first-rate person.
lawrence hansen
June 13, 2012
Dear Jill and Family, I thought I would look up my old best friend from kindergarden to high school today. On the computor I found of his passing and I wanted to send my memories and thoughts to you all. I went many times to his home at 52 gorden place I remember Blackie, his spider monkey, his nurse mother and her brother, we were deacons together , he was president. I went to his apartment on south temple and 7th east, he and I had a mutual girlfriend at west high in 1971, he got me hooked on marvel comics, we played primary baseball together, we both worked at temple view market, thats just a start. I last saw you and your husband at our wedding reception on June 22, 1979 at the Lion House. I have lived in Gunnison Colorado for 25 years now. my wife has her doctorate in French and teaches here. We have 2 children a son in the air force and a daughter in bountiful utah. I hope this goes through for you ok. My address is Lawrence Hansen 114 Floresta street, gunnison, colorado 81230. All of our best, with love and great memories, Lawrence
Sterling Packer
August 9, 2011
Jill and Family --
I am forever indebted for taking me into your family when you were at West Point. You were my second family and it was so wonderful to have some refuge in your home. MAJ Ellsworth, as I remember him, was a great example of a husband and father and I am grateful for the time that I was able to spend with you.
Please accept my sincere belated condolences. I just barely learned of his passing.
Carolyn Flores
June 10, 2011
I had the honor of calling Steve friend. He encouraged me to be greater than I was and much of my success is due to him. I will always be thankful for having known him. He was quite proud of his family and fought valiantly the desease that took him. So indicative of his life was this fight. I know he is not resting but writing the lyrics of heaven. My sincerest condolences to his family of whom he spoke so often...especially the grandchildren.
Rhondra Willis
May 31, 2011
Dear Ellsworth Family - I was shocked and saddened to learn of Dr. Ellsworth's passing... I had a chance encounter with him at Saint Leo University in Tampa, FL during my tenure as a professor at Shaw AFB. I loved his song "Stand Forever Tall" - such a beautiful song -- the love of God was evident even during that brief encounter.
May God keep you and strengthen you.
God Bless - Rhondra O. Willis
Jeanie Stow
May 30, 2011
Stephen was a dear friend and neighbor when we were both living in Alexandria, Va. My prayers are with you Jill and your family.
Linda Harborth
May 20, 2011
I miss you Stevie...
The world is sadder without you in it.
Rory Ellsworth
May 19, 2011
Dad,
You have always inspired me. I commission tomorrow and although you wont be physically present I know you will be there in spirit. You set the bar high for me and I'll strive to make you as proud of me as I was of you.
Chad Ellsworth
May 19, 2011
I love you, dad.
Ernest J Klossner CSM, USAR, Retired
May 17, 2011
Dear Jill, My heart is heavy after hearing of your loss. I served with Stephen at the 162d Support Group and the 244th PSC during his career with us in the USAR. I was extremely proud of Stephen and impressed with his character and ethics. We lost touch after you folks moved but I fondly remember several telephone calls that continued for a few years, up to his tour at West Point. Please accept the condolences of Wendy and myself, and best wishes to you and your family.
Julie Hanks
May 16, 2011
Dear Jill and family,
I hope reading these entries helps a little. I'm sure you know the things that Stephen did for others, but it's always nice to hear first-hand from others how he touched their lives. I knew Stephen was a great man, but I of course didn't know all that he had done.
Everyone at the service really appreciated and enjoyed all the comments his family made about him. Humorous and touching, just like Stephen.
I directed the music at the service Saturday, so being up on the stand meant I wasn't able to see their faces as they spoke, but I mentioned to Jill after the service that all four of their sons had the same stance as Stephen. It was just a small thing, but it was a reminder of how they will carry on so many characteristics about their dad, throughout their lives.
My thoughts and prayers continue to be with you all.
Cyndee Marte
May 14, 2011
To Jill and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. He was a great man, someone you can all be proud of. It was a honor and a pleasure to know him and call him my friend.
Stephen Grove
May 14, 2011
I had the pleasure of working with Steve while he served at West Point. He was a most energetic and creative soul. It was an honor and privilege to serve with him at the Academy. I kept in touch with him via e-mail through the years and knew the challenges he faced in his last years. Amazingly, on the day of his death, I was donating apherisis and plasma for some kids who were undergoing surgery. As his life was fading, some of my life's blood was leaving my body for others. I think Steve would have liked that. I can picture him now in heaven cracking jokes on the one hand and singing soulfull tunes on the other. My heart goes out to you Jill and to you boys and grandchildren who gave him so much joy
Stephen Grove
May 14, 2011
A correction to my comment. My donation was made on the day of his death, not the day of the funeral.
Stephen Grove
May 14, 2011
I had the pleasure of working with Steve while he served at West Point. He was a most energetic and creative soul. It was an honor and privilege to serve with him at the Academy. I kept in touch with him via e-mail through the years and knew the challenges he faced in his last years. Amazingly, on the day of his funeral, I was donating apherisis and plasma for some kids who were undergoing surgery. As his life was fading, some of my life's blood was leaving my body for others. I think Steve would have liked that. I can picture him now in heaven cracking jokes on the one hand and singing soulfull tunes on the other. My heart goes out to you Jill and to you boys and grandchildren who gave him so much joy
Jennifer Montemayor
May 14, 2011
~Defeat is not the worst of all failures.~ Not to have tried is the true failure~
Thank you for all you did for me. When I struggled you gave me the push to succeed, and because of this I have not only become a better student, but a better person. It was never my intention to get my Masters degree, however, it was you who encouraged me, and because of you I will. What I appreciated the most was that you were you, and you cared about my education, you stood for what was right, and that was to be a professor who made a difference. You made a difference in me. Thank you for being aggressive (even though many did not like it, it was proof that you cared), thank you for providing me with wisdom, thank you for believing in me when I wanted to give up (you lifted me up, with encouragement), but most of all THANK YOU for being you! Dr. Stephen Ellsworth (was what you wanted to be addressed by, not professor), a great man that will be missed very dearly. When I walk that stage, I will be thanking you, for it was you who encouraged me to go that far. May God bless you and watch over your family till they are with you again. Again thank you so much. You will be missed. As a matter of fact you already are.
Your inspired student,
Jennifer
May 14, 2011
Jill my heart is with you and your family through all of this. Wish I could come and be there for you. Know that I am in spirit. I am sure a glorious host of loved ones are welcoming Steve home as we morn his passing.
Love cousin Pat
May 13, 2011
Jill: You won't remember me, but I served with Stephen while at Fort Douglas. I express my sincere concolences at his passing. Lost track of him over the years, but fond memories just the same. Too young to die! God Bless. Major General Donald M. Bagley
May 13, 2011
Jill it has been a long time, Looks like you have a big and wonderful family.
Rick Moore
May 13, 2011
Jill, from a neihgbor growing up in Murray I extend my heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Best wishes. He will always be very close watching out for you.
Rick Johnson
Brad Dallof
May 12, 2011
Hello Jill,
I was sorry to hear about your loss.
All my love,
Brad
Charlotte (Werner) Ovard
May 12, 2011
Dear Jill and Family,
I'm very sorry to learn of the passing of your husband/father. He sounded like a wonderful person.
My sincere condolences to you and yours.
Charlotte (Werner) Ovard
Your neighbor from Saunders St.
Ray & Carroll Phillips
May 12, 2011
Jill and family, What an Honor to have met Steve, he was a fine person, a great friend, a soulful songwriter, and generous man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
Carroll Phillips
May 12, 2011
Jill, As I look back on the times we have shared, I am thankful God steered our paths together. Knowing Steve was an honor!
Heather Hunter
May 12, 2011
Words cannot express how much we will miss you Steve! It was a pleasure knowing you and being part of your family. My prayers are with the Ellsworth family and loved ones.
Kevin & Rikki Hein
May 12, 2011
I'm so grateful to have spent time with the Ellsworth family as a youngster and will never forget the times Steve made me smile. We are so sorry and your family is in our prayers.
May 11, 2011
We are very sorry for your loss. Unfortunately, we never had the opportunity to meet this fine gentleman but I can see many reflections of him in your son Ian, and I am sure in your other sons as well. We will keep you in our prayers.
...Muffie and Bob Monds
Angela Kennedy
May 11, 2011
It was an honor to have met Steve. May he rest in peace. My heart goes out to the entire Ellsworth family.
May 11, 2011
I am so sorry.
~ Holli Gunnell Weiss
Linda & Skip Harborth
May 11, 2011
A final toast to Stevie....
To all that we were,
To all that we are,
To all that we will be.
Laurie Harmon
May 11, 2011
Dear Jill, Chad, Kenny, Ian and Rory,
I am so sorry for your loss, the obituary was very moving, what a great man, he obviously contributed much to this world. You are very fortunate to have a piece of him in each of you! What a great family he and you Jill created. Love to all of you! Laurie and Randy
May 11, 2011
I first met Steve in 1978 at Ft. Lewis, Washington during ROTC Advanced Camp. We became fast friends. Later we were stationed at USMA at the same time. All our best wishes to Jill, Chad, Ken, Ian and Rory.
We will all be together again in the great beyond.
Alain C. and Donna M. Balmanno
Michael Madsen
May 11, 2011
I know Stephen as a talented and capable guy. Although I have not seen him since our University of Utah days, I will always be grateful to him for his efforts to line me up with my wife. What a blessing. He will never be forgotten and he and his family remain in our prayers.
Gregg & Christie Ginther
May 11, 2011
Our hearts and prayers are with all of you.
Cathi Palmiter & Family
May 10, 2011
Jill, so sorry for your loss. Steve was a wonderful spirit and a light to all that met him. Thinking of you and your family and keeping all of you in our prayers.
Heather Hunter
May 10, 2011
Steve will be truly missed by all that knew and loved him. Jill, my prayers are with you. I am here for you all!
John Gothard
May 10, 2011
Although Steve was my first cousin, he and I were much like more brothers than cousins. He was the last surviving member of my nuclear family growing up together in SLC. He is in my heart and mind each and every day. I will miss my brother Steve greatly.
Jo Anne Pugh
May 10, 2011
Jill, thinking of you and your family at this sad time. May the Lord comfort you and bring you peace.
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