Leonard Ellis

Leonard V. Ellis (Len), our dear husband, father, and grandfather passed away on Thursday, July 16, 2015 from congestive heart failure. His vibrant spirit and friendship was felt by all those whose lives he touched. Len was known for his willingness to motivate, mentor and serve others. Born to Leonard V. Ellis, Sr. and Marie Slade Ellis on January 29, 1940 in Modesto, California he grew up in the San Joaquin Valley. He learned how to work hard alongside his Dad and brothers and enjoyed many outings water-skiing at lakes and fishing at Monterey Bay. After attending Modesto Junior College he served an LDS mission for two years in the Central Atlantic States Mission. When he returned, he attended BYU where he met and married his sweetheart, Elaine Hovey, in the Salt Lake Temple. They recently celebrated their 50th anniversary. He graduated from BYU in 1966 and settled in Marin County, California where he spent the next 37 years working for the 3M Company in surgical sales. He was an author and motivational speaker, but his greatest love was his family and his service in the LDS Church. He served 14 years on the High Council and another 14 years in the stake presidency (9 of which he was Stake President of the San Rafael California Stake). He also served as a counselor to two mission presidents in the San Francisco Mission. In 2011-2012 he fulfilled a life-long dream of mission service with Elaine in the Illinois Nauvoo Mission. The last 14 years of his life he and Elaine made their home in Orem, UT. to be near their children and grandchildren. He is survived by his wife and their 5 children; Laurie Petty (David), David (Laurel), Greg (Melissa), Jennie Kilstrom (Ryan), Brian (Shelly),18 grandchildren and brothers Lon (Carolyn) and Loren (Linda). The funeral will be held on Thursday, July 23rd at 10:00 am at the Sunset Heights 8th Ward Chapel, 500 So. 600 West, Orem, UT. Viewings will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, Wednesday, July 22nd at Sundberg-Olpin Funeral Home, 495 So. State St., Orem and on Thursday, July 23rd 9:00 to 9:45 am at the LDS Chapel prior to the funeral. Internment will be at the Highland, UT Cemetery.

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