Ellsworth Cyril Vance

Ellsworth was born September 5th, 1936 in Swanton, OH to Rhodie and Howard Vance. He was preceded in death by his son Rusty, grandson Nicholas, sisters Zolla Langenderfer and Yvette Stewart.

Ellsworth graduated from Swanton HS in 1954 and entered the US Navy serving on the USS Saratoga. After the Navy, he began his career with AP Parts beginning in the warehouse and eventually working his way into Supervision. As part of a downsizing at AP he took an early retirement and went to work for Meilink manufacturing in 1988 as a Supervisor. Ellsworth acquired many lifelong friends. These good men would accompany him on many Lake Erie walleye outings or sit down for a night of euchre enjoying a few cold ones.

In 1997, Ellsworth relocated to Tempe, AZ to be closer to Randy and his grandson Carson after the passing of Rachel. Ellsworth soon found employment with OceanSide Ice Arena as a trusted Jack of all trades. He worked at OIA into his mid 70’s. It was at OIA where he met Linda who he adored and would spend the next 15 years of his life.

Ellsworth enjoyed watching his Arizona grandkids play hockey whether in person or online that was his Friday and Saturday nights. Ellsworth was an avid fisherman for walleye, perch, northern’s, trout and bass. He made many excursions throughout the U.S. for each. He didn’t miss a buckeye game on TV and travelled to many in person he was in attendance for the 2002 National Championship game. He and Linda loved watching FedEx cup racing whether on TV or in person. During the 60’s and 70’s you would find him where the USAC Sprints cars were running. He also attended a few Indy 500’s.

Ellsworth was well respected for his work ethic, his generosity and his willingness to help his coworkers, neighbors or anyone who needed a helping hand. Handsome and unassuming describes Ellsworth to a T. He was a doer at all times and in his later years he enjoyed gardening taking great pride in his tomato plants.

Ellsworth lived a great life and he often talked of his many memories with his brother in laws Jim and Louie Simmons and the late great Tom Langenderfer. He loved it when family visited him out west especially brother Terry, Aunt Madeline and cousin Troy, and friends Jack and Sharon Romp.

Ellsworth is survived by son Randy (Penny) and daughter Kirsten (Brian), grandson’s Carson Vance, Noah Vance, Ben Kinder and Andy Kinder; Brother Terry (Leti) Vance; Bonus son Jeff (Mandy) Welsheimer.

Services will be held at Sun Valley Community Church-Tempe at 10 a.m. Saturday January 14th. 6101 S. River Dr. Tempe, AZ.

In Lieu of flowers, we ask any donation got to the Hospice of the Valley at 1510 E. Flower St. Phoenix, AZ 85014.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.greenacresmortuary.net for the Vance family.