Irl "Ike" Ellis

IKE ELLIS Click here to view Ike's Video Tribute IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Irl K “Ike” Ellis, 77, of Idaho Falls, passed away June 4, 2009, while fishing in the Blacktail area of Ririe Reservoir. He was born February 10, 1932, in Annis, Idaho, to Henry Owen Ellis and Katherine Fannie Morgan Ellis. He received his education in Jefferson County schools, graduating from Midway High School. Ike enjoyed his childhood playing on the nearby butte and sloughs, swimming, fishing and hunting with neighborhood pals. From a young age, he had a passion for guns. He taught himself the mechanisms of a gun and how to assemble one from scratch. He was a member of the Legionnaires's baseball team, serving as a pitcher. He was a sports fan and especially enjoyed basketball games and boxing matches. As a young man, Ike's employment included working as a farm and construction laborer, service station attendant, new car detailer and as a car salesman. He spent some summers traveling in a small camp trailer, following streams and panning for gold. He married Laura Waters in 1952. They were the parents of three children, Dan K Ellis, Robert K Ellis, and Julie Ann Ellis. They later divorced. For over 30 years, Ike owned and operated "Ike's Gun Shop" in downtown Idaho Falls. He made many friends and loyal customers whom he valued throughout his life. After retirement he continued his trade as a custom stock maker. His greatest talent was carving a quality piece of hardwood into a gun stock then 'checkering' an intricate pattern into the wood and blued metal and inlaying gold. He made many valuable guns and with an engraving partner received 'best in show' awards in New York City and Las Vegas. He enjoyed collecting antique guns. He married Shelley Wilcox in 1988. Ike had a passion for hunting and fishing and had many trophies, including an Alaskan Grizzly bear, all seven Dall rams sheep hunted in several countries and the fourth largest deer in the Boon and Crocket record book. He had several articles written in national magazines about his hunting experiences. He also enjoyed a talent as a scenery and wildlife photographer and he loved to hike. His hobby was anything on wheels that went fast. He loved sports cars, Harley Davidson motorcycles, four wheelers and 'dirt' bikes and owned quite a collection in his lifetime. He called them the passion of his 'third childhood’! Ike and Shelley love horses. He was a racehorse owner and breeder. They raced horses in several states and especially enjoyed racing in the State Fairs. They owned several champion runners. His favorite hunting trips were on horseback, backpacking in the mountains. Ike had a real affection for animals. He owned and trained many hunting dogs and always had a dog 'tagging' him. He took great pleasure in his big Persian cats and groomed them daily. Ike had a passion for travel but took pride in living his entire life in his beloved Idaho. Ike had a sunny disposition, wore his burdens lightly and sometimes seemed larger than life. As a warm, caring and passionate friend, husband, brother, father and grandfather, Ike will be terribly missed by many people. He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and had a great love for his Savior. He treasured his Book of Mormon and studied it nightly. Ike is survived by his wife, Shelley Ellis, a son, Rob Ellis, daughter, Julie (Kelly) Zimmer, stepchildren, Chris (Barbara) Russell, Devone (James) Pickrell, and Spence Russell, two sisters, Yerda (Floyd) Smith and Armista Johnson, grandchildren, Travis Rockefeller, Mark Ellis, Katherine Ellis, Jacob Ellis, Alex Zimmer and KayLee Zimmer, step grandchildren, Justin Pickrell, Jeremiah Pickrell, Brennan Pickrell, Trevor Pickrell, and Kassidy Russell, and three great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by a son, Dan Ellis, his parents, two brothers, and three sisters. "Those we hold dear never truly leave us. They live on in the kindness they showed, the comfort they shared, and the love they brought into our lives." Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, June 12, 2009, at the Iona LDS Stake Center, corner of Highway 26 and 55th East, with Bishop Byard Cox of the Iona 2nd Ward officiating. The family will visit with friends Thursday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 S. Ammon Road, and Friday from 10 to 10:45 a.m. at the church. Burial will be in the Annis-Little Butte Cemetery under the direction of Wood Funeral Home. ---------------------------------------------------- Condolences received online: Loralee Ellis Tinney loralee.i.tinney@hotmail.com My most heartfelt condolences. I was terribly saddened to hear of Uncle Ike's passing. I remember well his smiling face, easy laughter and love for animals. I know he was eagerly received into the arms of loved ones on the other side. May God bless you in your time of grief. You are in our prayers. Shayla Fitch-Waters swaters@co.bonneville.id.us Ike was truly an unique person. He always greeted me with a smile and a handshake. I like to think he and Danny are together again being able to discuss hunting and guns. He will be missed greatly. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this trying time. Patsy (Wilcox) and Kery Secrist trinity@cableone.net We were so saddened to hear the news of Ike's accidental death. We pray for comfort during this difficult time. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. The Secrist's Reed and Melanie Hanni info@doggonedebt.com Listen With Your Heart Memories are a treasure Time cannot take away… So may you be surrounded By happy ones today… May all the love and tenderness Of special years well spent Come back today to fill your heart With beauty and content… And may you walk down MEMORY LANE And meet the one you love For while you cannot see him He’ll be watching from above… And if you trust you’re dreaming Your faith will make it true… And if you listen with your heart He’ll come and be with you… So for his sake be happy And show him that his love Has proven strong and big enough To reach down from above… And you will never walk alone When Memory’s Door swings wide… For you’ll find that you’re dear One. Is always by your side. by Helen Steiner Rice Dear Ellis Family, May Heaven’s Angels surround you at this hard time. Reed and Melanie Hanni Kent Olson dbckent@juno.com Ike was a life long friend with whom I shared many childhood hunting and fishing experiences, and fun through the dating years. He will be missed greatly. My thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones, and hope that they can find comfort through fond memories. "God gave us memories that we might have June roses in the December of our lives." (James Barrie) If they didn't have fishing in Heaven before Ike got there, I'm sure they will now. Kent Olson Val D. Hanni vhanni@cableone.net Ike and I grew up together, same age, and were hunting and fishing buddies through high school. He will be missed by many. Deepest sympathies to the families. Val and Carma Hanni Darren Alley My deepest condolences go out to the Ellis family you are in my thoughts and prayers in this time of loss! Ike is a very special friend that I will deeply miss! I will forever cherish all of the fun times that we made! Those memories will live on with me forever! Ike always lived life to the fullest and will always be my Cowboy Hero! Darren Alley. Idaho Falls, Idaho Bob Hatton cometcaliente@hotmail.com My thoughts and prayers go out to you in your time of sorrow. Both Ike and Dan will be missed.As I knew them through the years of gun business I know they are both telling stories of the guns and hunts they have been on God bless you all. Bob Hatton (Bob's Repair) Jim Mason pmwidaho@cableone.net We had many "gun deals" and Ike was always fair to me. Will miss his guns & hunting stories. Denise Jones buzzardjones@hotmail.com You can't be married to Denton Crofts for 14 years and NOT know Ike Ellis! Ike was a good man. He was a smart (and compassionate) business man. He was a great mentor. He always had time to listen to his friends/customers hunting & fishing stories. He was a Man's Man and yet, very respectful of women. My deepest sympathy to your family's loss. Doug Helton dhelton@midmountainmachinery.com Shelley, I was deeply saddened to learn of Ike's death. Having known Ike for 30 years, I can hardly belive he is gone. My heart goes out to you and if I can be of any service, please contact me. Dane Watkins thewatkinscompany@cs.com I want to send my condolences on the recent passing of your husband and father. He will be missed by all who knew him, He was a great person and his outstanding accomplishments will always be remembered by our community. Sherry and I want you to know that out prayers are with you and your family.