Arthur Kendall Ellis

Just an ordinary kid who lived an extraordinary life, Art Ellis passed away January 21st, 2010. He left behind adventures enough to fill two lifetimes and wonderful memories for all who knew him. His Legacy - total commitment to his family, to friends, and a selfless dedication to students he taught and athletes he coached. Art had a favorite saying: "You get out of life what you put into it." Art Ellis gave it everything he had. Born in Seattle in 1941, his sports career began early. He played Pee Wee football, Little League baseball - little Bigger League football and baseball - hunted and fished with his Dad - and helped his father build a boat that became his first water-ski and fishing boat. Art graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1960, Lettering in all three major sports. In 1961 he married his High School sweetheart, Marilyn Epps, and she joined him at Central Washington University where he majored in Physical Education and Biology. Art played both Football and Baseball throughout his years at Central. Art was an All¬ League, All-Coast and NAIA honorable mention All American in Football- playing 'end' and 'outside linebacker'. He was also the All Star Catcher and captain of the Baseball team. * {In 2008, the Nationally recognized CWU football team of 1963 was inducted into the CWU Sports Hall of Fame.] Art graduated with a Bachelors Degree from Central in 1965 and returned later to complete his Masters. That same year, Art accepted his first Coaching job at Central Kitsap High School where he coached the Football team and established and coached the Wrestling team. His Football teams went on to win three Olympic League Football Championships and his 1969 team was voted State AA Champions (State playoffs did not begin until 1973). They had an amazing 8-1 season, losing only to AAA Bellarmine Prep. His Wrestling teams were 40 - 10. Daughters Angela and Mendy were born while they were in Silverdale. In 1971, Art began his twenty-four year stay at Eisenhower High School in Yakima. He was head Football coach from 1971 to 1983 - defensive coordinator from 1990 to 1994 ¬and also taught Biology and Health Ed and was an advocate for Weight Training, He was the Media Specialist before retiring in 1995. During the latter years at 'Ike', Art purchased a 40 ft. Blue Bird bus. With Yankee ingenuity and a 'dream', he spent the next five years rebuilding this bus from the outside in. When he and Marilyn retired, the "GOOD TIMES" was ready to roll….. And it did - to Laclede, Idaho and the banks of the Pend Oreille River. Art and Marilyn lived in the new RV during the construction of their new home. Art did some 'building' and sub-contracted the rest. Marilyn planned the decor. When the house was done, Art took on the 'miles' of lawn to seed, planted a 1/4 mile of trees, built a horseshoe pit, a garden for Marilyn and, eventually, a real tree house for the grandkids. Riding around on his John Deere mower ... he was in heaven. Winter came and it was time to head south with the Snow Birders. After Christmas he and Marilyn would pack up the 'Good Times' and head to California, Arizona, and (2 trips) into Mexico. They lived the life of those who 'Know No Winters'. They would return just in time to plant a garden, get ready for visits from their friends, and welcome the gang for the annual 4th of July Family Reunion. The 4th became the highlight of the year for the entire family. Forever a dedicated father and family man, Art somehow made time to include them all. "Bearly Art" was born in there sometime. Now, with chain saw and blowtorch, Art carved up a storm, creating wooden bears from hunks of wood and assorted stumps. Marilyn would add her 'artistic' touch, and those bears flew off the shelves. Turns out, the 'softer side' of Art - was art!! In 2005 the Ellis's returned to the Yakima Valley, purchasing a home with a shop in Selah. Art had always wanted to rebuild a car and soon the carcass of a 1968 Mustang classic appeared. And, Marilyn had a lovely, spacious home to 'fix-up'. With old friends and family close, the two loved the frequent rounds of golf, morning coffee with dear friends, an occasional cruise, and visiting friends not so close by. Life was good at the Ellis's……….But, God must have needed a football coach……… From family: Our hearts are filled with gratitude for the many treasured friends and family who kept Art surrounded in love and prayers and busy with new 'adventures' throughout his illness. Art is survived by his wife Marilyn, two daughters, Angela (Mrs. Patrick McDermott), Grandchildren: Keaton Oberlander, Madison McDermott, and Logan McDermott: Mendy (Mrs. Jeffrey Beksinski - Grandchildren: Casey and Taylor Beksinski, sister -Judith Ellis-Maas (Mrs. John), and her family. The funeral will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Yakima, on Saturday, January 30th - at 1:00 p.m. To share a memory, visit www.mem.com.In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to a Fund to benefit Central Wash. University / Central Kitsap High School/Eisenhower High School- in Memory of Arthur K. Ellis. **Designate the Specific school** Checks may be sent to Keith & Keith Funeral Home 902 W. Yakima Ave. Yakima, WA 98902