- Date Of Birth: July 14, 1924
- Date Of Death: November 14, 2013
- State: Arizona
Orval R. Ellsworth was born July 14, 1924 in Holbrook, AZ to Wallace and Lydia Ann (Rhoton) Ellsworth. He passed away at the age of 89 on November 14, 2013, at his home surrounded by his loving family. Orval graduated from Holbrook High School in 1942. Shortly after graduation his family moved to Flagstaff. Soon afterward he joined the U.S. Navy. He served honorably in the South Pacific on the U.S.S. Nestor for three years. After his discharge, he worked in his father’s grocery store and did construction work. In June 1949 he met his sweetheart Verna Mae Sleep. They were married on October 22, 1949 in Flagstaff He worked at Western Auto and delivered milk products for Carnation. He then spent several years in the grocery business as the produce manager at Foodtown super market. He worked at NAU in the custodial department for ten years before his retirement in 1989.
He and Verna moved to Cottonwood in 1989 due to Oval’s health issues. They recently returned to Flagstaff to be near his family in his final months. He was a life long active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He served in many positions and was a dedicated home teacher. Orval enjoyed hunting, family outings, going to football, basketball, and baseball games where his children and grandchildren participated and playing horseshoes. He enjoyed playing cards, especially his daily cribbage games with Verna during their lunch hours until his vision declined. He enjoyed watching The Price is Right, NFL football games, and especially the Diamondbacks.
He was well loved by all of his grandchildren and he enjoyed being around them. Orval will always be remembered for his sense of humor and his service to others. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Verna; sons Dennis(Susan), Rohn, Mark (Julie) Flagstaff, Chuck (Pam), Eagle River, AK; daughter Vicki (Phil) Passalacqua, Flagstaff; 13 grandchildren, and 13 greatgrandchildren. He was preceded in death by two infant sons, George and Vern, his parents, brother Kenneth, sisters Roxie, Marjorie, Mary, Mitzi and Earlene.
