Joseph Clay Ellis

Joe was born in Coolidge Arizona in 1931 to Ralph and Gladys Ellis. Growing up he helped in his father’s garage obtaining a great love for the automobile. He served in the National guard from 1950 to 1958 and obtained the rank of Staff Sargent.

He was an over the road truck driver for most of his career. During the 60’s “bread wars” of Phoenix he was hijacked during a delivery taken to the desert and watched as they set fire to his trailer. He unhitched the

trailer and drove the cab back to town to report it.

In 1971 he met and married the love of his life Ellen Van Liew and settled into their forever home in Tempe AZ. They became huge racing fans and traveled to different races throughout the United States. He

became known in the racing community as the husband of the “Picture Lady” as Ellen became an avid photographer of the drivers and races on the circuit.

After Ellen passed away in 2019, you could find Joe in his garage taking care of his 2019 Riverside Blue Metallic Camaro.

He was preceded in death by his parents Gladys and Ralph, his wife Ellen and his sister Shirley and brother-in-law Don. He is survived by three adoring nieces Stephanie, Denni and Sharon, sister-in-law Martha and brother-in-law David.

His legacy was one of honesty, compassion and kindness to all who loved and knew him.

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