Darrel Eugene Ellis passed away November 23, 2015. Darrel was born July 30, 1934 to Vernon C Ellis and Fern Decker Ellis in Mancos, CO. He was the oldest of four children. He grew up in Mancos in the home his grandfather built and he also raised his children in the same family home. He met the love of his life, Rovilla Elliss in Mancos while home on a college break. They were married June 7, 1955 in Mancos and were later sealed in the Salt Lake LDS Temple.
Darrel was always involved in music. As a young man, his family had a family dance band, where he played the saxophone. He also played in the ROTC Band while in college. He spent several years singing with various choirs in the Mancos area.
Darrel attended Brigham Young University where he graduated with a degree in political science. He joined ROTC while at BYU. He honorably served with the Air Force for 17 years and attained the rank of captain. He was an information officer while in the Air Force. He left the Air Force in 1969.
Darrel returned to Mancos with Rovilla where they raised their four children. He was involved in many community efforts. Most recently, he served on the Town Board and served as President of the Library Board in Mancos. He was a knowledgeable historian and enjoyed writing a weekly column on area history. He published several books which highlighted the history of the Mancos Valley. He was actively involved with the Mancos High School Scholarship Association. He enjoyed spending many hours volunteering at the elementary school helping the students with their reading. He was a member of the Mancos Masonic Lodge. Darrel spent several seasons working at Mesa Verde National Park. He was a life-long member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where he faithfully served in many positions.
Darrel is survived by his wife, Rovilla and their four children: Marva Ellis, Carl Ellis (Lisa), Lyle Ellis (Lyn), Marie Jensen (Wayne). He is also survived by Curtis Scott (Daphne) who was loved as a son to him. He has 15 grandchildren: Preston Hennrich (Amber), Aspen Farmer (Josh), Saren Mestas (Eddie), Lauren Hennrich, Kelton Hennrich, Holton Hennrich, Robert (Kammy) Ellis, Jeremy (Kate) Ellis, Tiffany Ellis, Cameron Ellis, Caitlin (Andy) Davis, Spencer Ellis, John Scott, Elizabeth Scott, and Thomas Scott. He was very proud of his 14 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers Jede Ellis and Ron Ellis. He was preceded in death by his sister, Maureen Smith.
Funeral Services will be Friday, November 27, 2015, at 2 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Montezuma Ave. in Mancos, Colo. A viewing will held from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. immediately preceding the funeral. Internment will be at the Weber Cemetery.
