Mary A. Ellis

Mary Artella Cook Ellis passed away Saturday, July 5, 2014, at the age of 86. She lived at the Emeritus Ridgewind Care Center in Chubbuck. Mary was born May 22, 1928 in Pocatello, to Pearl Smith Cook and John Franklin Cook. She was 7 th of 8 children. She attended Pocatello High School where she met her sweetheart, Ernest 'Bud' LaRoy Ellis. They were married in Pocatello on August 6, 1950. Together they raised five children. Mary lived most of her life in Pocatello. She lived a few months in Provo, UT., while attending BYU but became so homesick that she returned home as soon as possible. Mary and Bud also lived in Chubbuck, ID., Spokane WA., and in Lava Hot Springs, ID. When Mary was younger, she would babysit, sew for others, and she worked at the Fargo's Department Store. For most of her adult life, she worked in the Bannock County Assessor's Office. Mary enjoyed gathering her family together at Christmas and for cookouts on their property in Lava. She loved Christmas and listened to Christmas music year round. She was fascinated with giraffes; when she was young she was told her neck was long like a giraffe, and so her giraffe-collecting passion began. She also enjoyed sewing, crochet and knitting, cleaning her home, gardening, yard work, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints where she served and taught in numerous capacities; she was a member of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers. (D.U.P.) Mary was preceded in death by her parents, all of her siblings, and her youngest daughter Malinda, who died shortly after birth. She is survived by her husband, Ernest L. (Bud) Ellis. Surviving children include Susan Ellis of Nebraska, Michael P. Ellis (Barbara) of Pocatello, Marshall D. Ellis (Tonia) of Pocatello, Marylu Irick (Kirk) of Lava Hot Springs, and M. John Ellis (Gina) of Burley. A viewing will be held on Wednesday, July 9, 2014 from 6-8 p.m. at Colonial Funeral Home, 2005 S. 4 th Ave. Pocatello, Idaho. 208-233-1500. Funeral services will be on Thursday, July 10, 2014 at 11 a.m. at the LDS Church Building, 5425 Bannock Highway, Pocatello, ID 83204, with a viewing one hour prior to services at the church. Burial will follow at Restlawn Memorial Gardens, 2864 S. 5 th Ave, Pocatello, ID. 83204 Condolences can be made to the family online at www.colonial-funeralhome.com