Kay Laree Ellson

Kay Ellson was dearly loved by her family. Kay was married to the love of her life George for 61 years. Kay followed George to heaven five days after he died. We are happy they are reunited in heaven. Kay is survived by her two children, Tracy Gallman (Randy Gallman), and COL Kevin Ellson (Rita Ellson). Kay had four grandchildren, Luke, Jennifer, Cassidy(Justin Large), and Jeremy. She also had three great-grandchildren, Ashtyn, Kylie, and Theodore. Kay was a devoted Christian.

Kay was born in Seattle, WA, and moved to Salem, OR as a young girl with her parents Orville and Thelma Rehfeld, and her beloved younger sister Connie. She grew up in Salem and there met the love of her life George Ellson. Kay and George were married in 1962 while George was in the US Navy. As a Navy wife, she lived in many duty stations with George until he left the Navy in 1967. In 1967 Kay and George returned to Oregon where they raised their children. They lived in Beaverton and Salem until 1991 when they moved to San Diego, CA.

Kay was very talented in arts, crafts, and music. She played Hawaiian steel guitar in a band in high school. She was a crafter and a quilter, and owned her own business making Angel Bells. She was co-owner of Bijou's Bungalow. She was an avid dog lover, and treated her client's dogs as her own.

Kay was active in her church, and loved to take care of babies in the nursery. She loved traveling to Maui and the California and Oregon Coast. Kay loved visiting her sister Connie who continues to live in Salem, Oregon. Kay had a beautiful friendship with Connie, her cousin Christy, and her friend Donna. Kay was an incredibly loyal and caring person. She will be deeply missed by everyone who knew her.

A joint funeral service will be held for Kay and George Monday, October 23, 2023 from 10:30AM to 11:30 AM at Maranatha Chapel, 10752 Coastwood Rd. San Diego, CA 92127.

A luncheon will occur Monday, October 23, 2023 from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM after the service at the chapel.

A graveside service will occur Monday, October 23 from 2:15pm to 2:45 PM at Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Dr., San Diego, CA 92122.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.encinitaschapel.com for the Ellson family.

In memory.of Kay and George Ellson, we are supporting The Animal Pad and the San Diego Alzheimer's Society.

Please contact Tracy Gallman at [email protected] for more information or reach out directly to these charities and donate in Kay and George's names.