- Date Of Birth: April 20, 1932
- Date Of Death: October 18, 2022
- State: Utah
The world lost a giant of a man, A. Ellis Griffin, on Tuesday, October 18th, after he lived a full life, of duty, service, kindness, and devotion. Ellis started life as a 13-pound (according to the milk scale in the barn), red-headed baby boy, born to Aubrey and Pearl Griffin in Clarkston, Utah. He was the third of six children. Growing up on a dairy farm, he developed the ability to work hard, play hard, love fiercely, and find joy and humor in life. Nicknamed “Red” as a child, he enjoyed playing sports and spending time with his family. Ellis graduated from North Cache High School.
On Nov 15, 1951, Ellis married Marylin Mortensen in the Logan Temple. She was his childhood sweetheart, and the love of his life. Their marriage and endless devotion to each other have been inspiring to all who knew them. Together, Ellis and Marylin raised five children.
Always diligent and persevering, Ellis gave 100% to everything he did. He worked for many years at Swift & Co., Cream O’Weber and later at Farr’s Ice Cream. He spent countless hours cultivating his large, thriving garden. Ellis had a fervent testimony of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and he devoted his life to serving God and lightening the load of others. He served in many callings in the church including Bishop, High Councilor, and faithful home teacher. He also constantly found ways to support people in his family and community. Most memorably, he served as a coach for both softball and basketball teams, mentoring and inspiring young boys up until his 87th year of life.
Ellis was an outstanding father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was the king baby whisperer and always loved and held babies, soothing them to sleep when no one else could. His grandchildren remember underdogs on the swing set, playing ball, working in the garden, riding roller coasters, and dyeing Easter eggs with Grandpa. He showered his grandchildren and great grandchildren with wrapped Christmas presents, hand-written birthday cards, and an endless supply of ice cream bars. But more significantly, his posterity will always treasure his memorable phrases, poems and proverbs. For every special occasion and everyday moment, Grandpa had something wise, witty, and humorous to say that would both inspire and entertain.
When his health finally began to decline, Ellis was blessed with ten amazing caregivers. His five children and their spouses all lived close enough and were devoted enough to each give hours and days and sleepless nights to caring for the dad who had given them each so much. He also received attentive care from the staff at Quail Meadows Assisted Living, which included two great grandsons, Aidan Jones and Caden West.
Those left behind to miss him are his children: LaVar (Julie) Griffin, Dave (Lori) Griffin, Ruth (Russell) Stuart, Sharon (Rod) West, Maryann (Mark) Rackham, 20 grandchildren, 57 great-children, brothers Louis and Glade Griffin and sister Shirlene Peck.
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