Richard Eugene Ellsworth

Long-time Meeker resident and rancher Richard Ellsworth (76) peacefully passed away on December 8, 2021, from a short battle with Covid-Pneumonia. He passed while surrounded by loved ones in Lafayette, Colorado. Richard was born in 1945 to Truman and Julia Ellsworth in Rocky Ford, Colorado. He attended Mesa College in Grand Junction, Colorado, where he met and married his sweetheart of 56 years, Pearl Anne. He continued his education at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado, receiving a Bachelor’s of Science in Agriculture Sciences. He later completed a double Master’s degree from Colorado State University in Secondary Education and Educational Administration. Richard taught high school Agriculture in Gypsum, Colorado & Meeker, Colorado, for 21 years. He then taught Ranch Management through Colorado Northwestern Community College for 13 years.

Richard had a thirst for God’s Word, gaining knowledge, teaching, and singing. Not only was Richard an educator, but he was also a rancher and devout Christian. He served on the Rio Blanco Fair Board, the Fairfield Scholarship Committee, Meeker Ministerial Alliance, the Pioneers Medical Center Board of Directors, and the Colorado State FFA Agricultural Teachers Association, as well as played many roles in the annual Meeker Massacre; behind the scenes as well as playing the Indian Chief role for several years. Richard was very involved in his church, Meeker Christian Church, as an elder, trustee, Sunday school teacher, and preacher. His hobbies included saddle making, leatherwork, music, mechanics, welding, and woodworking. He was a “jack-of-all-trades, master of none”, a chocolate lover, and very patriotic.

Preceding Richard in death were his parents, Truman and Julia Ellsworth, and his sister Karen Nichols. He leaves behind his adoring wife, Pearl Anne, his loving children, Becky (Rick) Proctor and Dan (Betsy) Ellsworth; 5 grandchildren, Garrett (Brianna), Matthew, Mikhala, Morgan, and Treavor; half-siblings Ronald (Brande) Ellsworth, Byron Ellsworth, Judy Ellsworth and Susan (Carl Profazi) Ellsworth. Additionally, brothers and sisters-in-law, aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews, and many friends. His passing will leave a large hold in the hearts of his family and community.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family asks that you consider making a donation to the Shiloh Christian Children’s Ranch, P.O. Box 606, Shelbina, MO 63468; telephone number 573-588-2191 or www.shiloranch.org. Richard and Pearl have supported Shiloh for many years and have a heart for their ministry.

A Celebration of Life will be held on May 21, 2022 in Meeker, Colorado.