Joe Henry Ellis

Joe Henry Ellis

Ventura, CA

Joe Henry Ellis, beloved father and husband, shuffled off his mortal coil on January 24th, 2016 after a long illness.

Joe Henry was an extraordinary man. We who loved him remember camping trips, his love of the outdoors, Shakespeare, Sherlock Holmes, deep and inspirational conversations, and an incredible personal presence he conveyed to all who knew him.

Joe was born in Arkansas, one of five siblings, to Henry and Alta Vay Ellis. His family moved to Texas, and then to California, finally settling in Trona where he spent his high school years. He joined the Navy in 1951 and served in the Korean War. It was during that time that he went on a blind date and met the love of his life, Patricia Louise Bates, who was in nursing school at the time. They married and settled in Ventura, the home of Patricia's family for generations. Joe took on several jobs to support his wife and growing family as he finished his education to become a teacher. After Joe earned his teaching credential and graduate degree he got a job at Ventura High School where he taught for 31 years in the History Department. During this time he was active in Sacred Heart Parish, took up golf and dragged his growing family across every campground in the western United States and to his cherished Lake Tahoe.

Joe pursued two major passions throughout his life; his family and teaching. He will be remembered by generations of students as a compassionate and enthusiastic educator who encouraged his students to succeed. He had a knack for finding their strengths but it was his caring attitude that brought many of them back to visit him at school and at his home. Towards the end of his illness while at a local hospital, a nurse caring for him shared that he was the only teacher who ever reached out to her and told her she had the potential to go to college.

During his retirement Joe and Patricia were fortunate to travel to many exotic places around the world. They sailed around the Horn, cruised Alaska, pet koalas in Australia and drank wine throughout Western Europe.

Joe is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Patricia; his three daughters, Kathleen (Gary Stanley); Elizabeth (Thomas Letus); Margaret (Joseph Sofer); his son Joseph, grandchildren Richard, Anita, Jennifer, John, and Mary; and six great-grandchildren. The unconditional love that he showed to all of us will be greatly missed but we know that it is only for a short time before we see him again. "We're glad you made it to the top of the mountain, Dad. We'll see you there someday."

A celebration of his life will be held at Sacred Heart Church on Tuesday, February 9th, at ten o'clock am.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joe's memory to: Ventura High School, The Joe Ellis Scholarship Fund.