Ellis Edward Christensen

Our beloved husband and father, Ellis Edward Christensen, was born August 22, 1945, in Rupert, ID, and died on October 2, 2016, at home in West Jordan, UT, due to complications from his 33 year battle with Multiple Sclerosis. He was the third of four children [siblings Margo (Jay), Lyle (Bonnie) and Kim (Tyna)] born to Lund and Thelma Bowen Christensen of Heyburn, ID. After graduating from Minico High School in 1963, he attended Utah State University on a music scholarship, playing the bass in several top groups. He served an LDS mission to the Northern Indian Mission working with the Sioux, Crow, Cheyenne and Shoshone Indians. While in San Francisco learning the art of court reporting, Ellis met Estela E. Guzman from Rosario, Argentina. They were married June 12, 1970, in the Salt Lake Temple. They were blessed with seven children: Cynthia (Michael) Patience of Prescott, AZ; Gina (JD) Williams of Carmel, IN; Clinton (Megan) Christensen of Sandy, UT; Trent (Sherie) Christensen of South Jordan, UT; Bridget Marian Christensen; Kurt Christensen of SLC, UT; Edlyn Christensen of Logan, UT. Preceded in death by his parents, brother Lyle, sister and brother-in-law Margo and Jay, daughter Bridget, and granddaughter Elizabeth (Lizzy) Christensen. Ellis and Estela have 24 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. They lived six years in Washington D.C., while he worked for the D.C. Superior Court and then moved to SLC in 1977 where he worked in the U.S. District Court until his retirement in 1993. He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where he served in many capacities, most visibly with his talent playing the organ and piano and conducting music. He will be remembered for his infectious laughter, love of his family and his constant and uplifting optimism – even despite his physical challenges. Services will be held Saturday, October 8, at noon with a viewing at 9:30 a.m. at the Sycamores 1st Ward, 6592 W. Haven Maple Drive, West Jordan, UT 84091. Please no flowers. After the service, his body will be donated to the University of Utah Body Donor Program for further study and research.