Donald C. Ellis

Donald C. Ellis of Livingston, Montana passed away Friday, August 9, 2019 surrounded by his loving family. He was 89 years old.Don was born November 4, 1929 in Great Falls. He was raised on the Ellis and Anderson family ranches in Millegan, Smith River, and Augusta, graduating from Great Falls High School in 1948. He was drafted into the Army during the Korean War, stationed in Anchorage, Alaska.He married Ada Ruth Jorgenson June 23, 1954. After discharge, he operated a cattle ranch near Cascade, Montana. When the ranch sold in 1966, he purchased and managed the Anvil Inn in Cooke City, Montana for nine summers. The family settled in Livingston during the off-season. He later started his construction company and wagon restoration business, Anvil Building and Remodeling, then developed White Buffalo Lodges, fabricating authentic Native American tipis. Don was involved in many local community organizations. He was a master storyteller and Montana Historian. He was a good friend to all.He is survived by his life partner, Marcy Ellis, and his children Tanner Ellis of Hot Springs, Cindy (Dan) Shue of Los Lunas, NM, Kally (Toby) Undem of Livingston, Jody (Dick) Ellis-Smith of Brockton and Billings, Lori Gates of Hillsboro, OR, Chris (Erica) Blueher of Livingston, and Jem (Shari) Blueher of Livingston, eight grandchildren Katie Ellis, Tyler (Chelsea) Ellis, Jake Ellis, Jared (Markie) Shue, Audrey (Luke) Anderson, Carly Shue, Dylan (Jessie) Smith, Ryley Smith, Jonathan Gates, Erin (Josh) North, Calvin and Colton Blueher, and four great grandchildren Faith, Robert, Kylie, Clyde, and Ada.Don was preceded in death by his parents, Harvey and Olga Anderson Ellis, his beloved first wife Ada Jorgenson Ellis, his sister Eleanor Laubach, and his cousin, Gary Anderson.The memorial service will be held, 2:00 PM, Saturday, August 17, at Living Hope Church, 226 South 3rd Street (corner of 3rd and Clark), Livingston, Montana. Friends will be invited to share memories in honor of Don at the conclusion of the ceremony. Pastor Harlan Durgan will officiate the ceremony. A light reception will follow.Many thanks to the loving care from the staff of Saddle Mountain Home Care and Livingston HealthCare and Hospice. We also extend our gratitude to Robert Osborn, who captured dad in the photo accompanying the obituary, and has allowed us to use it in celebration of his life.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Livingston HealthCare and Hospice or Yellowstone Gateway Museum.