A celebration of the life is 2 p.m. Thursday at Evergreen Healthcare for 12-year Gardnerville resident Ralph Douglas Ellis, 75, who died Jan. 28, 2009.
Born April 1, 1932, in Freeport, Calif., to Ralph Washington and Arline Ellis, he graduated from high school and became a third-generation blacksmith in Freeport. He joined the U.S. Coast Guard and became a boilerman second class before an injury on ship ended his seven-year military career.
He worked for Tidewater Oil Co. before going into business for himself. He retired as a heavy equipment owner and operator in 1979.
He worked in South Lake Tahoe, repairing gas pumps. He worked maintenance and was a groundskeeper for the veterans hospital and care home in Yountville, Calif., before moving to Nevada.
Mr. Ellis was a member of Carson Valley United Methodist Church, the American Legion, and Carson City Chapter 7 of the Disabled American Veterans.
He is preceded in death by his parents; brother Earl; sisters Ailene and Saundra.
Mr. Ellis is survived by longtime companion Maryann Johnson of Gardnerville, sister Carol of Stateline, friend Steve Mays of Stateline and nieces and nephews.
Donations may be made in Mr. Ellis' name to a favorite charity.
Arrangements are in the care of FitzHenry's Carson Valley Funeral Home.
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