Karolyn Irene Ellis

KAROLYN IRENE KERLEE ELLIS

November 12, 1934 – March 4, 2025

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our cherished mother, Karolyn Ellis, who left this world peacefully on March 4, 2025, at the age of 90. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend whose kindness and warmth touched the lives of all who knew her.

Karolyn was born on November 12, 1934, in Hamilton, Montana to James David Kerlee and Alma “Alice” Yarbrough. Karolyn lost her father at a very young age. Her mother remarried and they moved to Rigby, Idaho, where she attended school. She played Clarinet in the school band and loved art.

Karolyn married Darrell “Dee” Ellis January 13, 1951, and their marriage was later solemnized in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. They shared a beautiful life with five children and made many memories. Throughout her life she lived in Hamilton, Montana; Rigby, Island Park and Idaho Falls, Idaho. She worked as a receptionist, a bookkeeper and as a Property and Casualty Insurance agent for Ellis Insurance Agency which she and Dee established. She was also well known in the community and served for a time as president of a Professional Woman’s Organization. Over the years, Karolyn enjoyed the time she spent at their cabins in Island Park, Idaho, and Star Valley, Wyoming, and the friends she made. In the early 1990s Karolyn spent two summers as a part of the Hill Cumorah Pageant in New York. This became a core memory for her, and she loved the experience. In her elder years she served in the Idaho Falls Temple and as an LDS representative with East Idaho Regional Medical Center.

Karolyn nurtured a family rooted in love and strong values. She was a devoted mother to her children and grandchildren. Her love also extended beyond family, as she was a dear friend and a source of comfort to many. Karolyn was known to be an amazing cook, and no one has mastered Kringle or Cobblers like she did. She loved animals, music, crossword puzzles, traveling, flowers, the arts and of course her sports teams. She was a devoted Utah Jazz and Boise State Football fan.

Her faith, kindness, and gentle spirit will be remembered always. Though we will miss her dearly, we take comfort in knowing she is now at peace, reunited with loved ones who went before her. She was preceded in death by her husband Dee, her daughter Jani Lyn Randall, her son-in-law Kyle Clifford and a great-granddaughter. She leaves behind her brother, Don Kerlee; her children, Brett and Doreen Ellis, Julie Clifford, Bart and Beth Ellis, and Trent and Kari Ellis; her son-in-law, Oren Randall; 20 grandchildren; and 45 great-grandchildren. She will also be missed by extended family and friends and her most loyal companion, her dog Remi.

Karolyn lived a life filled with love, resilience, and grace. She was always ready with kind words, a warm embrace, and a home filled with love and laughter. Her wisdom, generosity, and unwavering support were a guiding light to her family and those around her.

Family and friends are invited to join us in honoring her memory on Monday, March 10th at 11 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2055 Coronado Street, Idaho Falls, Idaho. Viewings will be held on Sunday, March 9th, from 5-6:30 pm, and Monday, March 10th, 9:30-10:45 am, at the Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to SnakeRiverAnimalShelter.org in her honor. The internment will be in the Rigby Pioneer Cemetery. Mom, your love will remain in our hearts forever.