Ronald William Ellis
January 13, 1946 – March 22, 2026
Ronald William Ellis (aka “Sparky” or “Rockin’ Ron”) was born on January 13, 1946, at 1:17 AM on a windy night in Great Falls, Montana.
On June 22, 1968, Ron married the love of his life, Nancy Jo Wein Ellis. They were married just three months short of 58 wonderful years.
Family
Ron and Nancy had two fantastic children: Matthew Jason and Kristin Lee. He was a proud grandfather (Poppa) to Kenzie Lee, and he also cherished his daughter-in-law, Nancy Marie.
Ron was the very best model possible of a husband, father, uncle, and grandfather. He also had much love for his his sisters Barbara and Kathy, his brothers Rick and Robert, their partners, his sister-in-laws, Carolee, Kathleen, Susan, his brother-in-laws, Paul and John, their partners, all his cousins, nieces-in-law, nephews-in-law, their children, and so very many dear friends.
Teaching & Coaching
Ron did a fantastic job of teaching over two stints at Blanchet (1974-1978) and (1990-2010) in English, music, theology and A/V. In the 1970s, Ron directed a couple of musicals at Blanchet. In his 2nd stint, he coached pole vaulting and high jumping at Blanchet High School. He had two State champions in pole vaulting. For his coaching achievements, Ron will be inducted into the Bishop Blanchet Hall of Fame in June of 2026. He also created pilgrimages for students at BHS.
Music & Creative Work
Ron and his good friend Michael B. Lynch wrote and recorded several LPs, cassettes, and CDs. Ron played guitar, bass, banjo, and mandolin.
Ron and his wife Nancy, Mike and his wife, Collene, along with their flute player and sound engineer, did conferences throughout the US as Ellis & Lynch. They also did family concerts and workshops for parishes in Washington, California, and Montana on weekends. In 1980, they did 30 family concerts in 60 days all over the US, with their flute player Mary Faure and Allan Loucks, who sound engineered. Their children performed for a couple of numbers per show, and cheerfully worked as roadies.
Ellis & Lynch recorded 7 albums. Ron then went on to write and record 9 children’s albums and cassettes for Sadlier of New York and Tabor companies, in collaboration with Bonnie Dreves of Bellevue.
His last production was “Sacred Path,” made with dear friend Allan Loucks, Jr., in memory of Allan’s brother David Loucks, who had helped record the children’s music.
Running & Family Adventures
Ron loved to run most mornings at Green Lake in Seattle with his friend Leo Genest. He ran three marathons to qualify for the 100th running of the Boston Marathon.
The Ellis family camped most weekends together in the 1970s and 80s. As a family, they toured several countries in Europe in 2002 and went on a cruise to Alaska in 2018.
Other Pursuits
Ron also dabbled in real estate and helped produce a Sunday morning show, “Reel to Reel,” for the Archdiocese of Seattle. He had many talents – truly a Renaissance man.
Passing
Ron left this world on March 22, 2026, at 9:45 AM, after a brave 18-year journey following his Alzheimer’s diagnosis.
He will be missed immensely. We are sure he is adding beautiful music to his new home. Keep on rockin’ Ron!
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Kline Galland Hospice Care.