Julie Ellsworth

Julie Grigg McLane Ellswoth

1965 ~ 2022

Orem, UT—Julie Grigg McLane was born on June 5, 1965, in Ontario, Oregon, to Dale B. McLane and Barbara Janet Grigg. She was the third in their lineup of five and had her father's beautiful chocolate-brown eyes. She spent most of her growing up years at the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon in South Salt Lake and attended Brighton High School where she was heavily involved in musical theater. Fanny Brice in "Funny Girl" was her starring role.

Julie loved performing. The University of Utah offered her a full scholarship, and while there she played many roles, but a favorite was Lucy in "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown". She had a beautiful, contralto voice and was asked to sing at many community and church events, as well as at weddings as far away as California.

Julie was diagnosed with her first bout of cancer at the age of 20. After undergoing major surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, she was convinced her Heavenly Father had preserved her life for a reason and was determined to go on a mission for the LDS church. At the age of 21, she was sent to Orange, CA where she could serve but still be near her doctors.

After returning home, she chose to attend Brigham Young University to finish her degree. Shortly after graduating, she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, which continued to challenge her with chronic, debilitating symptoms. But her health never stopped Julie from trying to live her life to the fullest, and ten years after her mission, in a small Mexican restaurant in Draper, UT, she was unexpectedly reacquainted with a fellow Orange, CA missionary, where a friendship and love affair was sparked that resulted in a romantic wedding in the Jordan River Temple, and, eventually, two exceptional children.

Family was everything to Julie. She considered Matthew and Danny her greatest life's work. Having been ill for most of her adult life, she was amazed that her body could produce such strong young men. She adored them and we know she will continue to watch over them from heaven, alongside her father, who preceded her in death.

She is survived by her loving husband, Steffan Carl Ellsworth and her two sons, Matthew (20) and Daniel (16), and Ollie, the family dog, as well as by her mother, Janet, and siblings: Anne Lairmore (Jim), Jill McLane (Clay), Sally Bashford (Kent), Stuart McLane (Gina), and seven nieces and nephews.

Her viewing will be held at the Walker Sanderson Funeral Home (646 E 800 N Orem, UT) Sunday evening, January 9, 2022, from 6-8pm.

Her funeral service will be held on Monday, January 10, 2022, at 10:00am with a short viewing beforehand from 9-9:40am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (310 N 100 E Orem, Utah). A webcast of services will be available at www.walkersanderson.com.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Multiple Sclerosis Society in Julie's name: https://mssociety.donordrive.com/campaign/In-loving-memory-of-Julie-McLane-Ellsworth