Ellis was born in Wadena, Minnesota in the county of Wadena on April 27, 1929 to George H and Tressie Sanders (nee: Laird). On that day, Tressie gave birth to Phyllis Eleanor Sanders, then about ten minutes later there was a big surprise - Ellis was born! They had twins. They joined siblings Violet, Pearl, and Merrill.
His dad was a carpenter and also, they had two cows and many chickens, they sold the eggs and milk. Winters were hard and his dad at times had trouble finding carpenter work. George’s sister Laura and husband, Dan had recently moved to Albany, Oregon because their pastor had transferred. They convinced George and Tressie to come out for a visit. In 1938, with the twins they drove out to California and Oregon on a three-month trip. They loved it so much that in 1941 they moved to Albany. They were in Albany for two years, bought a house on 7th St near the hospital. During this time baby sister Judy was born. Ellis and Phyllis picked berries for local farmers and they bought bicycles with their money so they could get to those farms. The twins attended Central School. Then George decided to move the family to Salem because it was the capital city and had more job opportunities. They sold the home in Albany and bought a house on Lincoln St. They lived in the home while George fixed it up and expanded the house. They would do this twelve more times up until the time the twins were through with school. The twins attended Leslie Junior High School and then Salem High School.
During high school years, Ellis would ride his bike or ride the bus to watch the baseball team Salem Senators. The stadium was located on the corner of 25th and Mission streets. Ellis later bought a 1938 Chevy and he would take friends to the games. Ellis graduated from Salem High School in 1947. He then went to Capital Business College in DT Salem. He took classes in accounting, business machines, and business. His instructor was Professor Breakey. After completing the courses, he was hired by Mr. Wright owner of Wright Trucking Company in Stayton. Ellis was the office manager; duties were dispatching and setting up routes for the drivers. He also did the accounting. During this time, his parents owned an apartment building on Ferry St that George was renovating and Ellis lived there. One day after work he saw 2 girls sitting outside on the front steps. One of the girls was Lois Chamberlain, the other was her friend Jody. Jody lived with her mom in the apartments. On this day, Ellis joined them and he was smitten by Lois. This is when all the stars, the moons, and the Divine plan all aligned.
In 1950, Ellis was drafted into the army. Ellis completed the basic training at Fort Ord Army Post near San Francisco on Monterey Bay near the Pacific Ocean. After they completed the training, each soldier was given a number; this was the order they boarded the ship. Ellis was given #1, so he was the last one on the ship, but the first one off the ship. During the voyage the captain announced that they were not going to Korea but they were going to Hawaii to Schofield Barracks in Oahu. An officer gave Ellis instructions to ask for Captain Jones when the ship docked. A car was waiting to pick him up to take him to the officer’s headquarters where he would be the office manager and accountant. He was soon promoted to sergeant as that was what the position was.
In August 1952, Ellis was honorably discharged, they tried to convince him to extend his service, but Ellis was anxious to get back to Salem because he was marrying the love of his life, Lois Chamberlain. Ellis and Lois were married on November 22, 1952 at the First Congregational Church in Salem. They enjoyed 67 years of marriage, Ellis always referred to her as his bride. They completed each other. They lived in an apartment for six months while they were waiting for the completion of their home to be built by Ellis’ dad along with Ellis’ help. Ellis was hired by the Oregon Treasury Department and worked in the Capital Building. Later he was hired by the Oregon Department of Revenue as a Tax Auditor. Later he was promoted to the Manager of the Estate and Inheritance Tax Division. When that section closed a new position was created for him and after that he was promoted again. He became the head auditor of the Department of Revenue. He was very frugal and he saved the department hundreds of thousands of dollars. Other State agencies reached out to Ellis for his expertise so he taught classes to them in order for them to be more fiscally productive. Ellis worked for the State of Oregon for over 37 years, and he only used about 5 or 6 sick days as he was a hard and dedicated worker.
Ellis and Lois have three children, Rebecca (Becky,1955) Hughes, Jennifer (Jen,1957) Blakley, and Jeffrey (1960). The family enjoyed camping, especially with his twin sister, Phyllis and her family. In the 1970’s they all bought property in Silver Valley Ranch, on the old Scenic Highway near the Oregon Coast. This is when Ellis designed and built the cabin, with the help of his brother Merrill. The families enjoyed numerous adventures there. A favorite memory was when Ellis roasted salmon on bamboo poles over the fire pit. There were s’mores, good times, and nature hikes. On one particular hike, Ellis stepped on a bees nest. He did not get stung, but Rachel got a couple stings, Becky got about 8, but Jordan got over 20 bee stings! Many family members and friends stayed at the cabin. Later Ellis was president of the Silver Valley Ranch.
Ellis and Lois were members of the Organ Guild and the Begonia Society; he served as president for both clubs and the Morningside United Methodist Church where Ellis was leader of the men’s group. He also helped with groundskeeping, setting up for the Salem Art Fair, and numerous other duties for the church. He was president of the Sanders Family Reunions for years. He also was the president of the Road Trek Club FMCA. He organized their rallies. He also organized reunions for Salem High School class of 1947. Ellis helped family members with their tax returns and never charged them. He assisted families as an executor of their estates as well.
Ellis was a Cub and Webelos Scout den leader for his son Jeff’s pack. He conducted meetings, took them on campouts, and taught them life skills.
Ellis was very frugal, he never paid interest on anything except their mortgage, and only because it was tax deductible.
When it was time to buy a 2nd vehicle, Ellis and Becky went to Philippi Ford in Stayton to buy a pickup for their camper. Ellis told Becky they were not buying a pickup that day, even if he found the right one, we will leave the car lot and go home and think about it.
Ellis had many things in common with his dad, and one thing was they both loved pies. His last birthday there were pies-no cake.
Ellis was a man of faith, loving husband, nurturing father, humble, and proud grandpa. When his grandson Jordan played football at Sprague High School, a grandpa section was established. There was a lot of bragging. When a grandson would have a great play, that grandpa would yell out “that’s my grandson.” The first time Jordan scored, Ellis stood up and declared, “and that is my grandson!!” He did a lot of standing up.
Ellis enjoyed reading the newspaper everyday while eating breakfast. A part he enjoyed was the comics section and his favorite was Gasoline Alley. He was disappointed when it was discontinued. However, he had a Gasoline Alley sign made for their driveway.
Ellis was always doing projects, yardwork, or whatever Lois needed/wanted. One time as he was doing her a favor, I mentioned to my mom that he really was her hero. I realized then they were Superman and Lois.
Ellis had a knack for fixing things, he could put together or restore things on the fly. At a family gathering he was given the name MacGyver. Growing up I always thought the Minnesota Twins were named after Ellis and Phyllis. Ellis worked hard and did his very best in all of his endeavors.
Ellis is survived by his children Rebecca Hughes, Jennifer (Charlie) Blakley, and Jeffrey Sanders. He is also survived by grandchildren Rachel (Rob) Wullbrandt, Jordan Hughes, and Shannon Simi. Also, greatgrandchildren, Emma Wullbrandt, Lauren Wullbrandt, Dominik Simi, and Kaleigha Simi. There are many nieces, nephews, and cousins that survive him.
Ellis is predeceased by his wife Lois, his parents George and Tressie Sanders, his brother Merrill, his sisters Violet Robertson, Pearl Maurer, twin sister Phyllis McFarlane, and Judith Patterson.
The family wants to thank Serenity Hospice, and Boone Ridge Senior Living for their TLC during this season of Ellis' life.
The Celebration of Life Service will be at 2pm on Sunday, February 26 at Morningside United Methodist Church – 3674 12th St. SE; Salem, OR 97302. Please join us and be prepared to share a memory of him.
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