Carolyn J. Ellis

Carolyn J. Ellis

March 16, 1943 - Aug. 20, 2014

THORNTON, Colo. -- Carolyn J. Ellis, age 71, passed away at the Virba Long Term Care Facility in Thornton, Colorado, on Aug. 20, 2014.

She was born in Callaway, Nebraska, on March 16, 1943, to Morris and Elsie (Armold) Downin. She graduated from Callaway High School in 1961, and attended for two semesters of college at Chadron State, when she met James Ellis.

Carolyn and James were married on July 18, 1970. She adopted James' son, James L. To this union two other boys were born: Gale and Bruce L. Carolyn and Jim moved south of Cambridge on a farm on her birthday, March 16, 1973. Carolyn returned to school, attending McCook Community College for two years and finishing her bachelor of art degree in business at Kearney State, graduating in 1995.

Carolyn worked many jobs: Tri-Valley Hospital, Rural Health Development, Duckwall's and the Cambridge Supermarket. Carolyn enjoyed the farm, driving tractors and trucks during harvest. She enjoyed her flowers and gardens. She was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church.

Jim and Carolyn traveled throughout the U.S. and to the Caribbean, Grand Camons, Alaska, Hawaii and Fiji. The couple retired from farming in 1980.

Carolyn was preceded in death by son, Bruce and her parents.

She is survived by her husband, James of Cambridge; sons, James L. and wife, Joanna of Edison, Nebraska, and Gale L. and wife, Megan of Denver, Colorado; grandchildren, Hawk, Adam, Dylan, Jerry, Roger, Eric, Darcy and Reilley; and brother, Norman Downin of Callaway.

Funeral services will be on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2014, at Trinity United Methodist Church in Cambridge, with Pastor Jeff Wulf officiating. Interment will be in the Fairview Cemetery of Cambridge.

Memorials may be left in Carolyn's name to either the Cambridge Senior Center or the Butler Memorial Library of Cambridge.

Visitation will be Monday and Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friends may leave on-line condolences at lockenour.com.

Lockenour Jones Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.