Loren Edward Ellis' Obituary
Mr. Loren Edward Ellis, Jr. died peacefully at his home in Scappoose on July 5, 2011. He was 84 years old.
Loren was born in Portland to Loren and Iva Uttenberg Ellis, Sr. on October 26, 1926. He graduated from Benson High School. At the age of 16 he used his welding skills learned at Benson to work in the Portland Shipyards during war time. He was also a Merchant Marine.
On February 15, 1948 he married Gloria Faye Erickson. Shortly after their marriage; they purchased a farm in Vernonia. In the mid 60's they began shipping milk to Mayflower Farms in Portland. In 1974 they formed a family partnership with their four sons. In 1978 they purchased the Hudson-Rowell farm out on the dike land in Scappoose. In 1980 they finally moved all their dairy cows to Scappoose.
During the 1970's Loren and Gloria hosted 2 Japanese boys, Ike and Yugi, from Japan through the Oregon Farm Bureau Exchange Program and one boy, Robert, from Australia through AFS. In 1972 they enjoyed traveling to Japan to visit the boys' families and then in 1980 they traveled to Australia to visit Robert in the outback.
After his sons started managing the farm, Loren had extra time to take the grandchildren to ball games, 4-H activities and the Sauvie Island Beach.
In his later years, Loren enjoyed maintaining and managing his rental properties in Vernonia and Scappoose.
Loren is survived by his 4 sons and 1 daughter: Scott Ellis, and Craig Ellis both of Scappoose, Terry Ellis of Warren, Zenda Koch of Oregon City, and Stephen Ellis of Vernonia; brother, Gary Ellis of Portland, and 14 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. His wife, Gloria preceded him in death in 2010.
A private family service will be held. Contributions in memory of Loren are suggested to the Columbia County 4-H Leader Association - c/o Columbia County Extention Service - 505 N. Columbia River Highway - St. Helens, OR 97051
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