Dalton "Dee" Lee Ellis

Dalton Lee “Dee“ Ellis was born in Modesto, California in 1946 and grew up as the youngest of three children. His two older sisters, Charlotte and Karen doted on him his entire life. His parents, Dalton and Willie Lee Ellis instilled in him a grand love for God, family, church and a lifetime filled with adventure. Sermons on Sunday, September dove hunts, holiday road-trips, Dude ranches and Pacific deep sea fishing were family traditions.

When he was fourteen years old he became smitten with a girl named Sandra Lynn Pipes. They were married in 1965 and he loved her with all of his heart till the 12th of Never. They were blessed with two children, Sandee and Chance. Dad and Chance knew every backroad in West Texas and would hunt and fish at every opportunity. They were forever pals until the end.

After Sandra gained her angel wings in 2020, Sandee became her Dad's new roommate and they were always chasing after their next grand adventures. They blazed many familiar and not so familiar roads from Texas to Oregon looking for the next thrill and the next thrift store. It was endless fun being in his presence. He was easygoing, always made everyone laugh and treated people kindly. Family meant everything to him. His niece and nephews always made time for him and were very near and dear to his heart. All of his children’s friends were like family to him as well and he and Sandra made sure they welcomed everybody and anybody into their home.

His faith in God was unwavering and Dee graduated from Sunset School of Preaching in 1972. He preached in Sams Valley, Oregon at the Church of Christ for five years. He then moved his family back to Texas and stepped down from the Pulpit and donated his time as a preacher marrying and burying friends and family.

He was patient and kind hearted. He carried extra bibles in his truck and would hand them out, along with food, to those in need. He took the rent late. He cheered on the underdog. He got his guns up for Texas Tech and loved watching sports.

His favorite pastime was going to estate sales and buying antiques and collectibles. He had a fondness and a weakness for old fishing stuff. He loved to haggle and was a natural at being the middleman dealer at the First Monday trade days in Canton, TX.

He grew tomatoes, peppers and squash in his garden for his sweetheart Sandra and he knew how to always pick out the best avocados. He loved morning glories in bloom and the fragrant scent of honeysuckle. He enjoyed Merle Haggard, the click clack of old trains chugging down the tracks and falling asleep to old gospel music. His favorite number was 6.

He fell in love at first sight with his two grandkids Lily and Tanner and forever after he and Sandra were then known as Poppa Dee and Gama Summer. While their grandkids were growing up they spent every opportunity they had taking them on adventurous road trips and making lasting memories.

Dee also always looked forward to spending time with Melissa, oh how he loved her and thought of her as much more of a daughter than as a daughter-in-law.

The family dogs would also always wag their tails with enthusiasm when he would arrive in Bend and he eagerly anticipated seeing Waylon and Gracie and feeding them bananas and peanut butter. He spent his last summer in Oregon in 2023 watching his granddaughter Lily graduate from High School and taking her on weekly lunch dates. He looked forward to spending that time with her so very much.

That last summer he also followed his grandson Tanner from the Cascade Mountains to the Coast of Oregon and watched him in every baseball game he played. He watched Tanner pitch his first no-hitter and then they celebrated with a ribeye, at Clyde’s Prime Rib. He and Tanner also loved to scout out and collect baseball cards. He loved us all more. Always.

His final grand adventure was traveling this year in May and June from Texas to Oregon, visiting his grandchildren and kids and to see Tanner graduate from High School. As it turned out, he and Tanner graduated the same weekend.

On Sunday morning, June 9th, shortly after arriving in Bend, Oregon and in the presence of his family he drifted off to heaven in peace as the angels triumphantly welcomed him home. He finished strong.

In lieu of a memorial service at this time please wholeheartedly honor Dee’s memory by keeping his spirit of generosity going by doing something he would naturally do, gift a Bible or some food to someone in need. Say grace, Wave and smile at someone. Embrace a new adventure. Follow the Golden rule. Share a laugh and give from your heart. His final gift after he departed this earth was that of an organ donor and his eyes have already given the gift of sight to someone. We hope they see the good that he saw in everything.

Those left to cherish his memory are his children; Sandee and Chance and daughter-in-law Melissa. His two grandchildren Lily and Tanner. His two sisters, Charlotte and Karen, his nieces and nephews and several friends that were just like family. Until we meet again.