Michael Gene Ellis

Whether he was serving his country, providing for his family, teaching a grandchild to bait a fishing hook, or making sure his wife could chase another dream on her bucket list, Mike lived his love through quiet acts of devotion that spoke louder than words ever could.

Michael Gene Ellis "Mike" was born on July 17, 1949, in Tucson, Arizona, to Velma Louise Germany and Billy Gene Ellis Sr. He spent his entire life in the city he proudly called home and passed away peacefully there, surrounded by his family, on July 24, 2026, at the age of 77.

Mike proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. His military service shaped the patriot he remained throughout his life. He deeply revered the American flag and faithfully honored those who served by placing flags on veterans' graves each Memorial Day and Veterans Day. He held a special place in his heart for those who never made it home, standing firmly behind the words, "POW/MIA – Lost But Never Forgotten."

After returning home, Mike built a life defined by hard work, integrity, and service. He spent 17 years as a brick mason before dedicating the next 26 years to Marana Unified School District, where he worked in maintenance at Desert Winds Elementary School and Marana High School. He believed there was dignity in honest work and took pride in caring for the schools and the people within them.

Outside of work, Mike found another way to serve through amateur radio. He was a devoted member of R.A.C.E.S., an ARRL member, and a licensed Ham Radio and GMRS operator with the call sign KC7CJR. He valued the friendships he made and the opportunity to serve his community through emergency communications.

But if you asked Mike what mattered most, the answer was always his family. For 54 years, he and the love of his life, Margaret "Peggy" Ellis, shared a marriage built on unwavering love, loyalty, and partnership. Though he often joked that he had "had his fill of traveling in the Navy," he found great joy in encouraging Peggy to see the world and fulfill dreams she had long hoped to experience. His greatest happiness wasn't traveling himself; it was knowing she was making memories. It was one more way he quietly put the person he loved most ahead of himself.

Mike was a proud father, but becoming "Poppy" was the role he treasured most. His seven grandchildren were the light of his life. They knew Poppy would be there each morning to take them to school, no matter how early the hour. They knew he would patiently teach them how to fish, celebrating every catch as if it were the biggest fish in the lake. Those days were never just about fishing; they were about time together, shared laughter, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Mike was a man of quiet strength whose love was most often expressed through service—to his country, his community, and above all, his family. He never sought recognition, but he earned the respect of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Margaret "Peggy" Ellis; his daughter, Tatiana Worl and her husband, Steve Worl; his son, Cortney Ellis; and his cherished grandchildren, Maddy, Caleb, Ethan, Alex, Jacob, Ayden, and Carter. He was preceded in death by his parents, Velma Louise Germany Ellis and Billy Gene Ellis Sr., and his brother, Billy Gene Ellis Jr.

Mike's life was not measured by wealth or accolades, but by the people he loved and the lives he quietly shaped. He served his country with honor, his community with humility, and his family with unwavering devotion. A life of service. A heart full of love. A legacy that will live on in every flag raised, every fishing line cast, every early morning school ride remembered, and every life made better simply because Mike was part of it.