TORRINGTON – Vernon Charles Ellis, Jr., went to be with his Lord at 2:07 a.m., Thursday, May 29. He was born on May 24, 1932, the son of Vernon Charles Ellis, Sr. and Elanore (Johnson). He was the first of nine children.
A celebration of life will be at the United Methodist Church in Torrington on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. The ladies’ group at the church will serve a luncheon afterwards.
Vern grew up in Allen, Nebraska, graduating from high school there. He then joined the Army, after which he attended college at which is now Colorado State University in Fort Collins. This is where he met his bride, Saundra Short.
Sandy and Vern married on December 29, 1957. Their son, Timothy, was born in 1960 and their daughter, Pamela, was born in 1963.
With his various jobs the couple lived in several cities: Kearney, Nebraska, Cody, Wyoming, San Diego, California and Parker, Colorado, finally retiring in Torrington. His favorite job was as an accountant at Husky Oil, while living in Cody.
Vernon was a lifelong member of Elks. He was in Kiwanis Clubs, NAMI, donated his time to Lifeline, placing monitors in homes of senior citizens. He also was well known for donating his time doing tax preparation of low income and senior citizens at the Goshen Senior Center every year.
He is survived by his son Tim Ellis (Denise) and daughter, Pamela Ellis, all of Torrington. Grandkids Ryan Ridolfi (Heather) and Rachael Ridolfi. Great-grandkids, Lucas Ridolfi, Cameron Ridolfi, Kaysen Messer, Austin Ridolfi. Step grandchildren, Daniel Heilbrun (Brittney Hurd) of Torrington; Dena (Michael) Douchant of Rock Springs; and his step-great-grandchildren, Shelby (Colby) Harris, Madison (Dylan) Heilbrun, Payton Heilbrun, Wyatt Heilbrun and Kamrynn Douchant; and step-great-great-granddaughter Casey Jo Harris and a little girl to be born in July. He is also survived by siblings, Nancy Schulz, Joyce Elder and Cal Ellis, also dear friends from Cody, Jack and Carol Wagner.
Vern was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Jack Ellis, Keith Ellis, Gary Ellis, Don Ellis and Jim Ellis.
Gifts and donations may be sent to the United Methodist Church in Torrington or Tunnel to Towers Foundation (2361 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, New York 10306).
