Gary Ellis, 63

Gary George Ellis, 63, died April 13, 2007, at home in Hammett, surrounded by family and friends, after a battle with leukemia.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 21, at the Hammett Community Church. A reception for family and friends will follow at 11:30 a.m. at VFW Post #3646 in Glenns Ferry,. Inurnment, with full military honors, will be held at 3:30 p.m. at the Idaho Veterans State Cemetery in Boise.Arrangements are under the direction of Rost Funeral Home, McMurtrey Chapel in Mountain Home.

"Gary died as he lived, with dignity and optimism," his family said. "He loved life, laughter, mountains, horses, hunting and fishing. His priorities in his life were faith, family and friends. We are so grateful for the countless friends and loving prayers. God shined through Gary, illuminating the lives he touched."

Gary was born Dec. 28, 1943, in Sylvia, Kan.

"He led a life of integrity and honor, serving proudly in the United States Army for 21 years, including his dedicated year of service in Vietnam," his family said. "He was a valuable asset to the community, actively volunteering in various organizations and causes."

He was a life-member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and was deacon and treasurer of the Hammett Community Church. He also served on the Glenns Ferry Chamber of Commerce, serving one year as president.

His love of Veteran Organizations was evident, with memberships in Disabled American Veterans, American Legion, and a life-member of the Veterans of Foreign War.

He died while serving as VFW State Commander of Idaho, 2006-2007.

Gary is survived by: his wife of 40 years, Frances Ellis; his daughter, Carrie, and her husband, Mike Hoffmann of Milwaukee, Wisc.; his sons, Jeff Ellis, of North Pole, Alaska, and Gary Jr., and his wife, Brenda Ellis of Hammett; his mother, Donna Ellis, of Stafford, Kan.; his two brothers, Greg, and his wife, Hazel Ellis, of Murdock, Kan., and Kim and his wife, Kay Ellis, of St. John, Kan.; his sister, Kay, and her husband, Gary Harrison, of Hutchinson, Kan., six grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ona George Ellis.

Memorial contributions may be made in Gary's name to Hammett Community Church, C/O Frances Ellis, 733 So. Quail Drive, Hammett, Id 83627 or VFW Post #3646, Glenns Ferry, ID.