Lloyd Reed Ellsworth passed away on May 18, 2015 in Mesa, AZ at the age of 86. Reed was born on December 13, 1928 in Mesa, AZ to Lloyd H and Elzina Ruth (Bradshaw) Ellsworth. He graduated from Mesa High School in 1946. Following High School, he served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Uruguay Paraguay. He also served his country in the U.S. Air Force from 1951 to 1955. In 1951, he married Alice Josephine Cluff and they welcomed six children into their home. In 1957, Reed began his 30 year career as an educator and principal for Mesa Public Schools. He was a talented leader and loved working with young people. Outside of school, one of his favorite hobbies was raising quarter horses. Reed was an active and dedicated member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He held many leadership positions and served three full-time missions.
Reed is survived by his wife, Alice Jo; children, Scott (Lynette), Doug (Diane), Steve, Nancy (Kelly Hall), David (Rosalyn), and Michael (Kimberly); siblings, Lynn (Elaine), Day (Nola), Glen (Janet), Rebecca (Rick Sanborn), and Ann (John Allen). He is also survived by 31 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren. His children remember him as an example of service, integrity, and hard work.
Visitation will be held on Friday, May 29, 2015 from 6-8 pm at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ 85201. Funeral services will be held at 10 am on Saturday, May 30, 2015 at Mesa Arizona Kimball East Stake, 4640 E. Holmes Ave, Mesa, AZ 85206. Interment at the City of Mesa Cemetery. In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the LDS Perpetual Fund http://www.ldsphilanthropies.org or Helen’s Hope Chest www.mesaunitedway.org/helens-hope-chest-1
I am sorry for the loss of such a great man and dear friend. I will forever cherish the hours and conversations and one on one out at the barn time I had with Reed. He always treated me with such kindness. I have great admiration for his example and his integrity. Talking horses and religion with Reed were almost the same. He loved them both. I also very much admired his love and devotion to his wife. They are quite a couple. Thanks for the good times and all the memories.
He was a great man. He was loved and respected by many. I had a great admiration for this fine gentleman. He loved the children that he helped raise with his kind but firm demeanor. He was a role model to the children and a role model for educators. The best way to describe this fine human being is by saying he was the Jimmy Stewart of education.
The Mesa High Class of 1946 will miss Reed. He was always calling to check on his classmates and attended our annual Class Reunions as long as he was able. He was an outstanding and a good role model from our class. We send love and sympathy to Alice Jo and the Ellsworth family.
Alice and family, I am so sorry to learn of Reeds passing. He was always a great and kind example to me. I know he will be missed by everyone who knew and loved him.
I will always be thankful for the privilege and opportunity to be one of Mr. Ellsworth’s teachers at Powell Junior High and Taylor Junior High. His integrity, kindness, and keen ability to motivate adults and students, proved to be inspiring, encouraging, as well as supportive to all on his staff. My heart-felt thoughts and prayers are with Alice Jo and the family during this time.
rest in peace . you were a great man. thank you for everything you stood for.
We will miss Reed! We admire the many ways he made the world a better place. He was an excellent principal at Powell Jr. High (I taught there 1975&76). With skills in human relations, administration, good sense of humor, fair-firm-friendly nature towards students, and wonderful integrity he blessed the lives of all with whom he associated. A man easy to love.
He has always held a special place in my heart. The 1st time I met him was my wedding reception and as I asked, “I don’t know you, he smiled his loving smile and said,”Oh you will Sister Phelps, you will.” The best Bishop as a newlywed I could have ever wanted. Love his whole family….Nancy my love to you.
I’m very sorry for your loss. I wanted to offer you some comfort that I’ve found in the Bible. At John 11:25 Jesus said: “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who exercises faith in me, even though he dies, will come to life.” It’s my hope that you can draw comfort and strength from this promise that we can see the loved ones we have lost again.