Donald Lee Ellis

Donald Lee Ellis, Saratoga, Wyoming, was born on March 16, 1929, to John and Florence Hankins Ellis in Worland, Wyoming. He passed away on September 18, 2024, at the North Platte Valley Medical Center in Saratoga, Wyoming at the age of 95.

 Don was raised on the Ellis family ranch on Difficulty Creek near Medicine Bow. He began his education in a one room schoolhouse on the Difficulty ranch. He attended high school in Elk Mountain and Medicine Bow, graduating in 1947 from Medicine Bow High School.

 He joined the U.S. Army in 1954 serving in the Medical Company of the 38th Infantry Regiment of the 2nd Infantry Division. He was honorably discharged in 1956, citing on his discharge form his civilian occupation as “cowpuncher” and he returned to the family ranch to do just that. 

 He met the love of his life, Laura Nell Wallis, at a dance in Valley Station near McFadden, Wyoming. They were married on November 10, 1957, in Laramie, Wyoming. Don and Laura Nell made their home on the Ellis family ranch until 1960 when they purchased their own ranch north of Hanna, Wyoming. They worked it together until 1969 when the family relocated to Saratoga, Wyoming. 

 In Saratoga they purchased the Vista View Motel and Don owned an excavating business. While in Saratoga they also owned and operated Ellis Equipment, a John Deere implement dealership and feed store. They sold the dealership and purchased a motor grader, operating a road construction and maintenance business. This was a career he loved and at which he was a master. He retired in the early 1990’s and enjoyed visiting his family, painting picturesque landscapes, and restoring antique tractors from his younger days. 

 Don was a loving husband, caring and supportive father and grandfather. He was a very accomplished artist whose talents ranged from landscape painting to playing the accordion. He was completely dedicated to and supportive of his family, having influenced their lives beyond measure.

 Don was preceded in death by his parents, Laura Nell his wife of 54 years, and his son Patrick Thomas. Also preceding him in death was his sister Jean Short and son-in-law Wiley Jones. 

Survivors include his children Sue Jones, Linda (Scott) Platts, Mike (Rita) Ellis, and Joe Ellis. Grandchildren are Hazel (Torry) Winfrey, Max (Tobie) Platts, Sam (Lilly) Platts, Emily Ellis, Jon (Katelyn) Ellis, Jake Ellis, Pat Ellis, and Liz Ellis. One great grandchild Tiana Winfrey. Surviving is three brothers Henry “Charlie” (Myrtle), John (Patricia), Bill (Mary Lou) and five nieces. 

 A celebration of a long life well lived will be held on Sunday, October 6, 2024, at 2PM in the Platte Valley Community Center in Saratoga, Wyoming. A reception will immediately follow at the same location. 

 Donations in memory of Don can be made to the North Platte Valley Medical Center through the Corbett Medical Foundation, PO Box 343, Saratoga, WY 82331, noting NPVMC in memory of Don Ellis. Donations may also be made to the Platte Valley Community Center, PO Box 128, Saratoga, WY 82331. 

The service will be live streamed and available for 90 days online. Use the link below to view.