Debra Ann Ellis
May 28, 1954 - October 17, 2013
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Debra Ann Ellis
May 28, 1954 - October 17, 2013
Obituary
Debra (Debbie) Ann Ellis, 59 years of age, passed away Thursday, October 17, 2013, after an extended battle with cancer. Debbie was born on May 28, 1954, to Robert and Patricia Huntley in Los Angeles. Robert Huntley was a former city manager for the City of Westminster. On November 17, 1973, she married James Ellis in Westminster, CA, and was happily married for almost 40 years. Debbie and Jim lived in Westminster, Romulus, Michigan, and Aliso Viejo during their lifetime together. She loved to travel and through many family trips “saw the world.” She also loved to cook and her Abyssinian cats were a great joy to her.
Debbie graduated from Westminster High School; Golden West College; California State University, Long Beach; and California State University, Fullerton with an MS in Economics. She completed her professional career as the accreditation manager for the California State University, Fullerton Police Department where her humor, wit, and tremendous work ethic were greatly appreciated. Debbie was a long time member of Soroptimist International of Westminster where she held many leadership roles. Debbie and Jim have also been active members of Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Aliso Viejo.
Debbie is survived by her husband Jim, Emergency Manager of John Wayne Airport Services; their son Kevin Ellis of Fort Campbell, Kentucky; daughter-in-law Brittney; and three granddaughters: Makayla, Harley, and Gemma. Debbie is also survived by her two brothers: Tim Huntley and Jon Huntley.
Memorial services will be held Saturday, October 26, 2013, at 1:00 PM, at O’Connor Mortuary, 25301 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Hills, CA 92653. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society on behalf of Debbie Ellis.
9 responses to Debra Ann Ellis
Frank Zellner says:
October 22, 2013
Debbie and I served the communities in Orange County in many capacities. She was the manager of the Orange County Volunteers and recruited me and several members of the community to serve on her board. We served on the Board of Directors for the Westminster Chamber of commerce and eventually she and a friend talked me inot taking on the Executive Director job for the Chamber. Debbie was the Vice President Finance for the organization and kept us afloat. I served with her on the Boys and Girls Club board of director and on several fundraising endeavors for various agencies. Whenever you hung around Debbie your were going to serve others…… She filled her life with service to others. She worked on the TET Festival committe and helped it succeed in more ways than one can imagine. I could go on, but you get the idea. She was steadfast, honest, dedicated, upbeat, positive, loving, and a true friend. She left us to soon, but I have a feeling she is already taking charge of some very important need in a place that will come to know her and love her as we do. God Bless you Debbie know that I will never forget you and your very special friendship
Frank Zellner
terri griffis says:
October 22, 2013
There are just so many awesome memories to share! One of my favorite ones was our trip to Florida for a highland dancing completion. It was such a long drive but Aunt Debs humor made it bearable. I miss her so much already! Love you aunt deb! Xoxo
Judi & Tom says:
October 23, 2013
Our Fl trip was a wonderful trip . Debbie kept my kids in line so I could do the driving! As for our Hawaii trips…it was made possible by Debbie and Jim . Debbie was our tour guide, always telling us where to go!! Thank you Deb and Jim for sharing your paradise with us! We will miss you Debbie! my wonderful sister-in-law!
Patricia Kolstad says:
October 23, 2013
Debbie’s husband, Jim and I served on the Advisory Board for the Trauma Intervention Program while he was the Fire Chief in Costa Mesa. After Jim retired, he came to work for O’Connor Mortuary for a short time, where I got to know Debbie on a more personal level. Besides being incredibly smart, she had unique sense of humor. I saw her as a tenacious, in total control, kind of gal who was unbelievably hard working right up to the end. She allowed me to “babysit the girls” (her beautiful cats, Koa and Keiko) while she and Jim traveled this past year and when I last visited her, she shared with me the photo’s she took on her previous trip to Africa. I count that as my best memory. The way she told the story, I felt that I had been there with her. Her greatest desire was to take Jim there. What an extraordinary woman, filled with strength and service to others. Debbie . . . you will be so missed by your family and friends, and those whose lives you have touched along the way.
God Bless and Keep You!
Patricia Kolstad
Nancy Feightner says:
October 24, 2013
Jim & Kevin- Debbie was a dear friend to us at Soroptimist and we will truly miss her dry wit, calm demeanor and caring nature. She was so strong during her illness, never complaining or burdening others. Oh, how we wanted to make the damn cancer go away for her so we could have her in our lives longer but more importantly so she would be around longer for you. Guess The Lord had a different plan wanting Debbie for himself. She’s at peace now and we are richer for having had her in lives.
Nancy Feightner