Vera Evelyn Ellis

Vera Evelyn (Just) Ellis passed away peacefully in her sleep on June 25, 2023 at St. Elizabeth’s hospital in Red Bluff, California, at the age of 90 years. She was born at home during a snowstorm in Crivitz, Wisconsin, on January 28, 1933, to Robert George and Harriet Eliza (Muzzy) Just. She was the second youngest of 12 children.

Vera attended Crivitz grade schools until she was 16 years old when she took a train to Chicago to stay with her eldest sister, Velma, who Vera admired and appreciated dearly. After graduating high school, Vera attended Roberts Wesleyan University in Rochester, New York, and Ravenwood School of Nursing in Oak Park, Illinois, where she became a registered nurse.

After graduating nursing school, Vera took a road trip to San Jose, California, with some nursing school friends. She serendipitously decided to stay longer than planned. During this time, she worked as a nurse and met her future husband and love-of-her life, Bob, over tacos. They were married October 3, 1958. In 1959, the newlywed couple moved to Red Bluff, California. Together, they raised two children, traveled extensively to visit family, and were actively involved in the Red Bluff Methodist Church. Vera also had a fulfilling career serving as a nurse at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital and the Tehama County Health Center in Red Bluff.

Vera will always be deeply treasured for her endlessly sweet and caring nature, childhood stories and bravery, famous pumpkin pie and date bars, small collections of tea cups and music boxes, and the unconditional kindness she had for everyone. She cherished family, autumn and snow in Wisconsin, the magic of Christmas, being cozy, the color blue and blue skies, jigsaw puzzles and dominoes, ice cream, and hot black coffee. As a wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, friend, nurse, and church member, Vera was precious to us all.

Vera was preceded by her beloved husband Robert James Ellis, son-in-law Gerald Dorsey, and her eleven siblings: Ralph, Roy, Russel, Viola, Velma, Ray, Rollie, Vesta, Ronald, Raymond, and Rudolph. She is survived by her two children: Rebecca and James Ellis, daughter-in-law: Patricia Ellis, grandchildren: Sunn (Claire) Dorsey, Andria Ellis, Derek Ellis, and Molly Dorsey, great-grandchildren: Gavin Dorsey, Isabelle Dorsey, and Brianna Ellis, and many loved nieces, nephews, and friends.

A Celebration of Life ceremony for Vera will be held on Saturday, August 5, 2023, at 11 AM at the Red Bluff First United Methodist Church, 525 David Ave, Red Bluff, California. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Habitat for Humanity, Heifer Project, or your favorite charity.