"Charley's life was one filled with love. My condolences to the entire family."
In loving memory of
Charles Wendell Ellis
October 26, 1943 - January 16, 2022
Charles "Charley" Wendell Ellis, 78, passed away peacefully on January 16, 2022. A funeral service will be held on Friday, January 21, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care 414 Lincoln Way Ames, IA 50010. With a visitation held one hour prior to the service. Burial will take place at Ames Municipal Cemetery following the service.
Charley was born on October 26, 1943, to Voyd and Lottie (Kerns) Ellis in Trenton Missouri. He was a graduate of Trenton High School.. From an early age Charley loved stock car racing. He had a knack for building, driving, and winning in his cars and was proud to say that "he never cheated to get a win". His love for racing was passed on to his sons and he would often share the track with them. Charley worked for Walt Freel for many years, then Evertt took over where Charley then stayed as a foreman for 25 years with perfect attendance! Charley was a loving person often helping anyone who needed it, going out of his way to make sure everything was taken care of. For many years Charley & Evelyn would host 4th of July celebrations at their cabin in Missouri. Numerous family and friends from Iowa & all over would travel to enjoy the hog roast/corn feed, mud volleyball, horseshoes, and fireworks.
Left to cherish Charley's memory is Vickie, special friend of 8 years; sons, Wendell (Tammy), Chris (Julie), 7 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren. Over the years Charley & Evelyn took in many people under their care; if you weren't family, you had become family.
Charley was preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn, sons, Charles & Jeff.
Charley's family would like to thank the staff at Accura Heath Center and Sun Crest Hospice for their loving care.
Memorials may be direct to the family.
Online condolences may be directed to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com
Tributes
"You welcomed me with open arm when I got with your grandson Chris. A kiss on the cheek and a hug. Will forever miss you. You touched my heart always with a smile. Love ya Pa "
"It was nice to see pictures of all that Charley touched. Leanna Barber"
"Will miss eating beef bugers without u on Friday I which u was still here to eat one"
"I have known Charley since I was a little kid because he was married to my oldest sister even after my sister and him divorced I still kept in touch with him and my nephews that have preceded him in death I will always remember that he loved to joke around and tell funny stories. He was always so kind and willing to help you if he could "
"I love you and miss you, thanks for all you did for my kids and I. You taught us so much about life. You will be forever missed but always in our hearts. "
"Death takes the body. God takes the soul. Our minds will hold the memories. Our hearts keeps the love. Our faith lets us know we will meet again. Till we meet again. Love you Charley forever and a day."