February 2, 1927 - May 23, 2026
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Roy Lee Ellis, 99, of Sheridan, Oregon passed away on May 23, 2026 leaving behind a legacy of hard work, devotion to family, and a deep love for the outdoors.
Roy was born February 2, 1927 in Verona, Missouri to Evert and Tennie Eva (Tunnel) Ellis. He was the youngest of 11 children. At the age of 8, his family packed up their belongings and moved to Sheridan, Oregon. Sheridan is where Roy decided to plant his roots and build his life.
At the age of 16, Roy worked a short time in Willamina at The Brickbury Brick Plant before joining the Navy (age 17) and proudly serving his country during World War II. From February 1945 to July 1946, he served as Seaman First Class aboard various minesweepers and minelayers. His military service remained an important part of his life, and he loved sharing fond memories of his naval experiences, traveling the world, and serving his country. No one can forget the story of the monkey they found floating on a log in the middle of the ocean or the excitement he shared telling of the time he sailed under the Golden Gate Bridge at the end of the war.
One of the most important moments in Roy’s life came when he met Margaret D. Fourtner at a dance at the American Legion Hall in Sheridan. That chance meeting began a lifelong love story. Roy married the love of his life, Margaret on September 4, 1949. They enjoyed 76 years of marriage, where they built a family and a beautiful life together.
Roy spent more than 40 years working in the lumber industry at local sawmills in Sheridan and Willamina. Over the years, he worked at McCormick’s (1946-1957), Garabrandt’s (1957-1967), US Plywood Mill (1967-1980) and Willamina Lumber (1980-1989). He retired from Willamina Lumber in 1989 after decades of honest hard work.
Roy found great joy in the outdoors. He was an avid hunter and fisherman who cherished time spent with his three sons–whether hunting in the woods or being at a river or lake with fishing lines in the water.
Roy is survived by his wife of 76 years, Margaret D. (Fourtner) Ellis; his sons and daughter-in-law’s, Terry and Karin Ellis, Douglas and Jeanette Ellis, and Michael and Kathryn Ellis; seven grandchildren (Ivy, Spencer, Kelsey, Hanna, Bradley, Alex, and Kassidy), and eight great grandchildren (Monica, Isabella, Zaviar, Annabelle, Vienna, Willa, Maverick, Ember).
He was preceded in death by his parents, Evert and Tennie Eva Ellis; eight brothers; and one sister.
Roy will be remembered for his service, strong work ethic, love for Margaret and his family, and his love of the outdoors. His presence will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew and loved him.
Memorial services will be held at West Valley Funeral Home in Sheridan, Oregon on May 29th, 2026 at 1:00 pm.
Committal services with Military Honors will follow at Green Crest Memorial Park, Sheridan, Oregon.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial contribution ℅ West Valley Funeral Home, PO Box 652, Sheridan, OR 97378, to the Sheridan Museum of History or a charity of your choice.
