Evelyn J. Ellis of Irrigon died on Feb. 3, 2023 in Hermiston at the age of 81.
She was born on May 4, 1941 in Wing, N.D. to Jacob and Eva Gillig Knittel.
Evelyn was raised in North Dakota and later in California, graduating from high school in Lodi, Calif. She married James T. “Jim” Ellis in 1960 in California. They lived in California, Washington and Idaho before settling in Kettle Falls, Wash. They spent a few years in a logging camp on Afognak Island in Alaska, living in a logging camp before returning to Washington. She and Jim raised and sold organic garlic for several years and were active in the Colville Elks Lodge.
Evelyn moved to Irrigon in 2019 after Jim passed, where she had lived since. She enjoyed gardening and especially enjoyed pulling weeds. She also enjoyed reading, boating, Sudoku and jigsaw puzzles.
She is survived by her children, Wendy Osgood (Rod), Sandra Galanos, James Ellis (Laurie) and Daniele; sisters, Caroline Christman and Leola Plubell; grandchildren, Tricia (Pete), Seth, Karie, Nick (O’lita), Chelle (Stephen), Crystal (John), Alex (Jacob), Tresa, Jammie (Brian), Jimmy, Jon, Megan and Jade.
Evelyn was preceded in death by her husband, Jim; her parents; and siblings, Lorraine, Daniel, Arnie, David and Lillian.
At her request, there will be no service.
Please share memories of Evelyn with her family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
