Sue Jones Ellis April 27, 1935 ~ November 8, 2018 Sue Jones Ellis passed away November 8, 2018 from cancer, fighting this dreadful disease with her usual grace and showing us her true grit. She was born April 27, 1935 in Fort Smith, Arkansas to Emma Lillian and William Bailey Jones. Clara, Barbara, Mary Lou, and Martha all welcomed their baby sister home with love.
Their sisterly bond lasted a lifetime. Sue attended Saint Scholastica Academy which began a lifelong love of learning. She was a keen reader, NYT crossword fiend and avid sports fan .
. . all sports .
. . including horse racing.
She was married to Hague Ellis for 58 years during which they raised four children, always in pursuit of knowledge, exploration, and high adventure. Since early outings were often via small airplane, Sue got her pilot’s license (in case Hague got airsick). Southern Utah was always a favorite destination for the family.
Traveling the world was a constant; from jungles to museums all flora & fauna and things cultural were experienced. Her golden season was always summer spent at Bear Lake enjoying the 100+ year tradition of gathering with family. The beauty of Sue is she could jump out of her 501 jeans into pure elegance in no time flat and race to the symphony, opera, ballet, or museum opening.
From Bach to the Beatles, Rembrandt to the Raiders, Balanchine to Broadway-she did and thoroughly enjoyed it all. Sue loved her community from her beginnings in volunteerism first as a Girl Scout and then with the Junior League of Salt Lake City. She was an effective and thoughtful leader on the boards of Neighborhood House, the Museum of Fine Arts, and Natural History Museum of Utah.
Friends were important to Sue and she held them all dear. Sewing Club, Owl and Fork, Book Club, Town Club, and WIGS all provided her a camaraderie that added to the richness of her life. Sue’s intellect, wit, and kindness to all will be sorely missed, but our memories with her are enduring.
Preceded in death by her parents, husband Hague; son John J. Ellis; and sisters Clara Jones and Barbara Walker. Survived by son Daniel (Mysha Waldron); daughters Elaine (Henry Wurts) and Mary Ann (Brad Cassell); granddaughters Emma and Madeline; sisters Mary Lou Welch and Martha (Ed) Fields; brothers-in-law Robert Wallace, Ted Schmidt, and Bob Jones; and her many beloved nieces and nephews. Private graveside services.
Services entrusted to Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary. In sports or life Sue always cheered for the underdog, especially children. If so desired, donations can be made in her memory to Neighborhood House (1050 W 500 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84104, nhutah.org).
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