Richard Owen Ellis

Richard Owen Ellis was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on October 20, 1927 to Owen W. and Mary Clark Ellis. He was the first of their 5 children. He had 2 brothers: Steven, and Legrand, and 2 sisters: Coleen, and Elaine. His parents, brothers, sister Coleen, and wife Beverly, have preceded him in death. 

He grew up in Farmington, Utah. He graduated from Davis High School. He served 2 years in the Navy as an aircraft mechanic and was stationed in Panama during World War II. He served his mission in the Western Canadian Mission. He loved his service there and had fond memory of the people and the beautiful land in which he served. While on his mission he noticed a sister missionary. At the completion of their missions, he dated and then married, Beverly Hathaway, in the Salt Lake Temple on June 5, 1953. He graduated from Utah State University with a 2-year degree in Automotive Technology. His employment was at Hill Air Force Base as an Aircraft Mechanic, Engineering Aid, and Management Analyst. He served on the Farmington Volunteer Fire Department. After retiring as a government employee, he returned to work building houses with his son David.

 As a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints he accepted the opportunity to serve wherever called. He served two missions for the Church Farm Management Corporation, one in Florida and the other in California, where he refurbished and built homes on the church farms there. He loved gardening and raising fresh fruit. He planted a garden this year. He was always looking forward and planning ahead. In September of 2025 he suffered a stroke. He was determined to recover. Despite being told he may never walk again; he was able to with the assistance of a walker. He was able to return to his home but daily tasks required assistance which he received from Jill Standing who was like a daughter to him. He passed away June 4, 2026 in his home.

 He is survived by his sister Elaine and husband Paul Beckstrand, sons David (Denise) and Timothy (Sheri), 12 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren.

 Funeral services will be held at the Farmington Rock Chapel 272 North Main, Friday June 19, 2026 at 11:00 am. Friends and family may pay their respects beginning at 9:30 am that morning. Interment will be in the Farmington City Cemetery. The services will be live stream on Russon Mortuary's YouTube Live page and can be accessed here on the obituary 15 minutes prior to the service.