Rovilla Ruth Ellis

Rovilla Ellis passed away November 6, 2019 at Cedar Hills, Utah surrounded by her family.
Rovilla Ruth Ellis was born on April 8, 1936 in Westphalia, Kansas to Edith Morton and John Elam Elliss Jr. Rovilla enjoyed playing with her cousins in the Kansas countryside. Being one of the few girls in her extended family, she learned to throw and catch a ball well. She enjoyed spending time outdoors with her dad. Rovilla was active in 4-H and played sports in the local high school.
The family moved to Mancos, Colorado in 1953 at the beginning of Rovilla's Senior year. She begged her father to let her stay in Kansas with family. He told her no. Not being able to play sports was hard but she quickly made friends. Many of those friendships lasted throughout her entire life.
Rovilla attended a youth activity at the home of Fern and Vernon Ellis where she met their college age son, Darrel, visiting for the holidays. The two dated for a year. One of the highlights were the times Darrel serenaded her. The couple was married June 7, 1955 and sealed in the Salt Lake Temple about a year later.
While Darrel served in the Air Force, Rovilla stayed at home many times watching their young children. She and the 4 children were able to go to Turkey where Darrel was stationed for two and a half years. After Turkey, the family moved to California for 4 years. While in California, she learned well the art of cake decorating and earned several awards.
The family moved to Mancos in 1969. Rovilla worked several bookkeeping jobs before working for the Mesa Verde Museum Association. She was a major force in taking the museum bookstore from a few books on a shelf to two thriving stores. She was personally involved in the publication of several books, pamphlets and trail guides. Rovilla retired from the museum in 2001 after working for 28 and a half years.
Rovilla was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints serving in many callings. She took care of many missionaries serving in Mancos throughout the years. Rovilla and Darrel unofficially adopted Curtis Scott, one of those missionaries. Rovilla had a strong testimony of her brother and Savior, Jesus Christ. Even during her trials she never wavered and her testimony grew stronger. Her love for her Redeemer was manifest everyday through her service to her fellowmen. One example would be the anonymous Christmas boxes she shared.
Rovilla continued to serve her fellowmen as she served on various boards including the Mancos Town Board. After Darrel died, she became the recipient of many other's acts of love.
Rovilla is survived by her siblings, Lois Casey and Ray (Marcy) Elliss; her children, Marva Ellis, Carl (Lisa) Ellis, Lyle (Lyn) Ellis and Marie (Wayne) Jensen; 12 grandchildren; and 17 great grandchildren.
We wish to thank the many good friends that cared for mom while she was in Mancos. The daily visits from Susie were a godsend. The wonderful staff at the Charleston in Cedar Hills and Bristol Hospice were angels to our mother.