Robert Charles Ellis went to be with Jesus on March 4, 2025, after a battle with cancer.

He is survived by Loretta, his wife of 51 years; children Ruth and Alex McElrath and grandson, Callan, of Susanville; and Aaron and Mary Murray, of Seattle, Wash.

Bob was born in Chico, Calif., on March 30, 1953. After graduating high school, he joined the United States Air Force. He was stationed at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas where, after basic training, he played trumpet for the Air Force Drum and Bugle Corps. He was later stationed at Vandenberg AFB in Lompoc, Calif., where he worked in pavement and grounds and headed up the first paper recycling program on a base.

After his time in the service, Bob was employed by the Soil Conservation Service in Santa Barbara, later transferring to the Susanville office and then to the Forest Service. Bob worked several other jobs, the last being at High Desert State Prison as a lead groundskeeper running an inmate crew.

He was a member of Standish Bible Church where he served for a time as a deacon. He also loved music

and singing, his rich baritone will be missed. Being involved in ministry was important to Bob and he spent years working with Janesville Bible Camp and AWANA sports camp. He was in charge of the child safety and the first aid stations at those events, and the children lovingly called him "Mr. Bob." During the Christmas season, he could be found outside local businesses ringing the bell for Salvation Army.

Bob and Loretta have called Lassen County home for 47 years. Bob always appreciated the changing seasons and natural beauty the area offers. Being in the woods was his favorite place to be, with him often saying it was his comfort zone. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, photography, camping, trips to Bandon, Ore., and family time, especially time spent with his grandson whom he called his "little buddy."

A memorial service will be held at noon, Saturday, March 15 at the Honey Lake Valley Assembly of God Church. A reception will follow at Standish Bible Church.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers a donation be made to Honey Lake Hospice.