Ellis Seth Jonas

On August 12, 2012, Ellis Seth Jonas returned to our Heavenly Father. He was born September 6, 1926 in Lewiston, Utah, to Joseph Nelson Jonas and Lillian Coley. Ellis grew up in Ogden and Richmond, Utah. He graduated from North Cache High School where he was active in sports; especially football. He was a paratrooper during World War II in the 101st Airborne. When Ellis came back from Japan at the end of World War II, he met Geraldine Pitcher. They were married on August 18, 1947 and were later sealed in the LDS Logan Temple on April 24, 1964. Ellis graduated from Utah State University USU with a Bachelors of Science in Physical Education. While attending USU, he was active in sports ranging from football to boxing and swimming. After graduation he was the Unit Administrator for the Utah National Guard in Smithfield. He served in that position for over 32 years. During his time in the National Guard, Ellis was active in running many youth sport programs like football, baseball and Bantam Basketball. He was the manager of the Smithfield Blue Sox. During his time managing the Blue Sox, he was privileged to win the National Championship in Wichita. Ellis was involved in the American Legion, Jaycees, and Lions Club. He served 8 years on the Smithfield City Council and as a Smithfield Volunteer Fireman. After retiring from the military services, Ellis helped his wife run a floral shop in Smithfield, Utah from 1976 – 2000. The shop was named Jerri's Floral after his wife. Ellis was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He held many church positions and served a mission with his wife in the Arkansas Little Rock Mission from 1993 – 1994. He was our beloved father, grandfather, great grandfather, husband and friend. He was preceded in death by his sons Kent Ronald Jonas, Dan Ellis Jonas; his parents, Joseph Nelson Jonas and Lillian Coley; his brothers, Joseph, Irwin, Norwood, Evan and his sister, Lillian. He is survived by his wife Geraldine Pitcher; his children, Mary Lou Jonas Jarel Hoyt, Julie Ann Jonas Darnell Kowallis, and Ronald Nelson Jonas Denise Chambers and his sister LeRita Jonas Lowell Anderson. He has 11 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. There will be a viewing held on Friday, August 17, 2012 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm at the Nelson Funeral Home located at 85 South Main, Smithfield, Utah. There will be a family and friend viewing on Saturday, August 18, 2012 from 10:30am – 11:30am located at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Meeting House at 79 East 200 South, Smithfield, Utah. He will be laid to rest in the Smithfield City Cemetery.