Murray Ellis

Urbandale

Murray Ellis, 70, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Monday, January 4, 2016 at Mercy Hospice in Johnston, Iowa. Memorial services will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday at Meredith Drive Reformed Church with private inurnment at Resthaven Mausoleum in West Des Moines, Iowa.

Murray was born and raised in Ontario, Canada. He enjoyed a 30 plus year career in agricultural chemical sales which brought him to St. Louis, Missouri in 1979. He moved to Des Moines in 1983 and became a U.S. citizen in 1999. Murray was a member of Meredith Drive Reformed Church, Past President of the Des Moines Woodworkers, current President of the Urbandale Tree Board, was a Docent at The World Food Prize Hall of Laureates, and volunteered at Living History Farms, Amanda the Panda and Freedom for Youth.

Murray was a man with a strong faith in God who loved woodworking, gardening, and spending time with his family. Of his numerous hobbies, his favorite was supporting his kids and grandkids in all of their activities.

He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Marg; daughter, Nadine (Jon) Woods of Johnston, Iowa; son, Jeff (Lesley) Ellis of Urbandale, Iowa; five grandchildren, Conner, Macee, Duncan, Noah and Megan; brother, Wynn (Zofia) Ellis of Ontario, Canada; sister-in-law, Sharron Hurst, brother-in-law, Bob Pell, and mother-in-law, Eva Joubert all of Ontario, Canada; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alan and Nancy Ellis.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at McLaren’s Chapel in West Des Moines. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be directed to Amanda the Panda or the Urbandale Community Action Network (Friends of the Park).