Ella L. Stapleton

Ella was born April 2, 1924 to John and Darphine Cerise at their family home near EL Jebel, CO. She was the oldest of five children. Ella attended elementary school in El Jebel and then graduated from Basalt Union High School at the age of 16.

Ella met Francis Stapleton at a dance and they were married in Aspen, CO on February 20, 1943. The wedding reception was held at the Hotel Jerome in Aspen and their marriage was celebrated with a honeymoon in Salt Lake City, Utah. They lived on the family ranch for three years, where Fred, their first son was born. Ella and Francis decided to move to Rio Blanco where they ran a Country Store/post office.

Four years later they moved to Grand Junction, where their second son. Alan was born. They bought a neighborhood store called “This Is It” which they ran for 21 years. After they sold the store, Ella worked at Montgomery Ward.

Ella was happiest when she was busy. She enjoyed volunteering at St. Mary’s Hospital and delivering meals for Gray Gourmet. She was very active in Eastern Star. Over the years she served as an officer in the Grand Junction, Palisade and Fruita Chapters. She was also active in the D&RG railroad ladies organization and the First United Methodist Women’s Joy Circle.

After Ella and Francis retired, they purchased a motor home and traveled all over the United States. They served as campground hosts in Yellowstone for several years. Ella’s favorite trip in their Winnebago was in a forty four vehicle caravan down the Mississippi River. Other travel adventures included cruises to Iceland, Greece, Italy, Panama Canal, Egypt, Israel, and more. Another passion for Ella was dancing. She and Francis loved ball room dancing and went weekly for many years.

Ella and Francis spent their last years together in Bullhead City, AZ. When Francis passed away Ella moved back to Grand Junction and lived in Mesa View. During her time there she returned to volunteering and ran the Country Store, often talking to the other residents to see what they needed her to get for them.

In a recent conversation Ella shared these thoughts, “Everyone should concentrate on living life to the fullest… go and do all that you can, as long as you can.”

Ella is survived by two sons: Fred (Joyce) Stapleton and Alan (Mary) Stapleton; six grand children and three great grandchildren. Also surviving are one brother, Alvin Cerise of Austin, CO and one sister, Deanna Miles, of Southern CA.

Memorial Services will be held at the First United Methodist Church, 522 White Ave, Grand Junction, CO on Saturday, May 26, 2012 at 2:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 522 White Ave, Grand Junction, Colorado 81501 or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Colorado & Wyoming Chapter, 521 Rood Ave., Suite B, Grand Junction, Colorado, 81501