Evelyn J (Knittel) Ellis

Evelyn J. Ellis of Irrigon, Oregon, was born on May 4, 1941 in Wing, North Dakota to parents, Jacob and Eva (Gillig) Knittel. She died on February 3, 2023 in Hermiston, Oregon at the age of 81 years. Evelyn was raised North Dakota and later in California, graduating from high school in Lodi, California. She married James T. “Jim” Ellis in 1960 in California. They lived in California, Washington and Idaho before settling in Kettle Falls, Washington. They spent a few years in a logging camp on Afognak Island in Alaska living in a logging camp before returning to Washington. She and Jim raised and sold organic garlic for several years and were active in the Colville Elks Lodge. Evelyn moved to Irrigon, Oregon in 2019 after Jim passed, where she has lived since. She enjoyed gardening where she especially enjoyed pulling weeds.  She also enjoyed reading, boating, Sudoku and jig saw puzzles. 

She is survived by her children: Wendy Osgood (Rod), Sandra Galanos, James Ellis (Laurie) and Daniele; sisters: Caroline Christman & Leola Plubell; grandchildren: Tricia (Pete), Seth, Karie, Nick (O’lita), Chelle (Stephen), Crystal (John), Alex (Jacob), Tresa, Jammie (Brian), Jimmy, Jon, Megan and Jade.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her husband: Jim, her parents, Siblings: Lorraine, Daniel, Arnie, David and Lillian.

At her request there will be no service.

Please share memories of Evelyn with her family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com

Burns Mortuary of Hermiston, Oregon is in care of arrangements.

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