Chris A. Ellis passed away Friday, August 21st, at 9:45 p.m. at McDonough District Hospital after a brief illness. He was 67 years old.
Chris was born July 2, 1959, to James Ellis and Marjorie (Learned) Ellis, both of whom preceded him in death. He is survived by his brothers, Billy Ellis and Steven Ellis; nieces and nephews, Kaitlyn Ellis, Michael Ellis, Jeremy Ellis, Jake Ellis, Shawn Ellis, and Shelby Knowles; his aunt, AnnaMay Walton; and many other family members.
Chris was, as many who knew him would say, a quiet and somewhat stubborn human being. He took a while to warm up to people and could cool on them just as quickly. But there was more to Chris than his rough exterior.
From a young age, Chris had a habit of quietly observing the people around him. He would linger outside doorways, staying under the radar, picking up details from visits his mother had with others. While he wasn't a big talker, he was a great listener. He remembered details about people that others might not notice in day-to-day life. At home, he would notice changes in staff's appearance, his housemates' clothes, or differences in their behavior or the way they moved. Every now and then, he would gruffly share these observations with those around him, sometimes to their amusement and sometimes to their displeasure.
Chris loved to collect paper, toy semis, and tractors, and he would never pass up a chance to smoke. He loved The Price Is Right and Wheel of Fortune, and so help you if you interrupted him while he was watching. He LOVED peanut butter; Reese's, crackers, a little bit on a spoon, you name it. He loved carnivals, parades, and the annual Balloon Rally in Macomb. One of his favorite things to do was go to Hy-Vee and the bank each week with his brother Bill.
Underneath it all, Chris was a man with the heart of a boy, searching for his place in the world. Through Mosaic, the home that supported him through the end of his life, he found people who looked past his rough exterior and saw someone worth caring for. The care and sense of belonging Mosaic gave Chris meant the world to him and will always be deeply appreciated by his family and those who cared for him.
Chris will be cremated, with a private graveside service for immediate family to be held at Bushnell Township Cemetery. A small memorial service will be held at University Baptist Church on September 8th, at 1pm, with Rich Barnett presiding. All friends and family are welcome to attend.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mosaic in Chris's memory. The family welcomes friends and loved ones to share memories and condolences in Chris's honor.
Dodsworth Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Please sign the guestbook or leave condolences at www. dodsworthfh.com
