Pat Ellis

Pat Ellis died peacefully on Saturday, January 24, 2015 at the age of 90 surrounded by family and loving friends. Pat was lovingly known as “Nena.” We will miss her unconditional love, on-going prayers for all of us, always making our favorite recipes, and especially, her sense of humor. We will treasure memories of almost 70 years with Dad, watching their amazing love story unfold through the years. They loved to dance and we loved watching them glide across the floor. We are comforted knowing they are dancing together again.

Pat spent most of her youth in Lower Lake, graduating from Lower Lake High School. She was one of the Kugelman girls, daughter of Rose Kugelman Reichert and Walter Reichert. Next to spending time with Dad, Mom’s fondest high school memories were being part of “The Terrific Five:” Elaine (Wallin) and Muriel (Kenzler) Kugelman, Lois Wheeler, Ruth Parker and Mom.

Pat married Don in 1944. After the war, they moved back to Clearlake. They lived and worked on the Reichert Ranch, which is now known as the Ellis Ranch. Pat’s greatest joy was her family. There was baseball, hunting, fishing, camping trips, P.T.A., field trips, school board meetings, volunteer fireman meetings, & her sewing club. Steve was always willing to volunteer her potato salad whenever the opportunity arose. Pat was one of the original volunteers at Redbud Community Hospital, serving over 4,000 hours over 40 years.

Our family wishes to thank Meadowood Nursing Center for their tender loving care of Mom for the past ten months. Mom was more than a “patient” or “resident” - their care and concern for our family is greatly appreciated. Special thanks also to Hospice of Clearlake, who worked closely with us and with Meadowood.

“To love and be loved is the greatest joy on earth.” Mom believed that summed up her life better than anything else she could say. We will miss you dearly Mom.

Pat is survived by son, Steve Ellis (Carol), Lower Lake, daughter, Donna Lutz (Chet), Victor, MT; grandchildren: Kevin Ellis (April), Kelseyville, Kristi Witt (Justin), Healdsburg, Amy Lutz-Wilson, Sacramento, Chad Lutz (Maricel), and Steve Lutz (Atria), San Diego; great-grandchildren: Kyle, Kalee & Brayden Ellis, Sophia Witt, Austin Lutz, Seth Lutz, Briella Lutz; Loving Caregiver: Tammy Eeds, Clearlake; residents and staff at Meadowood Nursing Home; Preceded in death by brother: Robert Reichert; sister: Helen Nelson.

A memorial service will be held for Pat Ellis on Saturday, February 28 at 1 p.m. Jones and Lewis Mortuary, Lower Lake, followed by a reception at Lower Lake Community United Methodist Church, Lower Lake.

Pat has been a long-time member of her church in Lower Lake. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to her church: Lower Lake Community United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 516, Lower Lake, CA 95457.