Denise Eva Loretta Ellis

She was born on May 29th, 1953 in Lynwood, Ca. to Robert and Lorraine St. Hilaire, and was raised in Downey and La Palma. In 1972, Denise graduated from St. Joseph High School and married Richard Ellis. She and Rick were together for 22 years and had two sons, Ricky and Ryan.

For 28 years, Denise worked at the Social Security Administration as a Claims Representative, in both the San Pedro and Long Beach offices. Prior to her time at the SSA, she and her husband ran a successful trophy store in Cerritos.

Denise loved music, living by the ocean, laughing, and her family, especially her family. She was funny, independent, vivacious, and thoughtful. Her energy was endless; she was spirited in a way that can best be described as contagious. She was constantly experimenting with new ways to express herself creatively, and her curiosity increased with her age. But mostly, she embraced life - ups, downs, and all. Her philosophy could be summed up by a bumper sticker she placed on her car: “Follow Your Bliss.”

She is survived by Bill Hulbert, her partner of 13 years; sons Ricky, of Santa Cruz and Ryan and his wife Kelly, of La Habra; grandchildren Reed, Bailey, and Wade; brothers Gene St. Hilaire and his wife Arnett, Jeff St. Hilaire, and Bruce St. Hilaire; sister Monica Hayden and her husband Kent; numerous nieces and nephews; family, and countless friends.

Her parents and brother Brian preceded her in death.

A celebration of her life will be held on June 21st at St. Joseph High School, 5825 Woodruff Ave, Lakewood, Ca. 90713. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting a donation to the Denise Ellis fund for the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA).

http://www.dbsalliance.org/goto/deniseellis

Arrangements under the direction of Luyben Family Dilday-Mottell Mortuary, Long Beach, CA.