Paul Ernest Ellsworth

Paul Ernest Ellsworth, age 97, passed away on Friday, August 11, 2017 at his home in Woodruff, Arizona. He was born December 28, 1919 in Thatcher, Arizona to Ernest Ellsworth and Julia Virginia Curtis Ellsworth. Paul was a past member of the Navajo County Sherriff's Posse serving as Captain several times. He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; serving as a Ward Missionary, Building Maintenance Missionary in Farmington, New Mexico and many other positions throughout his life. He graduated from Safford High School in 1936, received his BS degree from Colorado State University in 1949 and worked in Range Management in New Mexico and Arizona. He was a gunsmith, carpenter, electrician and Emergency Services Director among other things. He married Beth Christensen in the Mesa LDS Temple on June 14, 1944. She preceded him in death. Paul was an avid outdoorsman who loved to camp, fish and hunt. One of his favorite things was taking care of his garden in Woodruff. He is survived by his 3 children: Beth Ann Gardner, Julia Jane "Jill" Ellsworth and Paula Mary Ellsworth; a daughter-in-law, Marilyn Johnson; 15 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and 15 great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Beth; son, Joseph Gerald "Jerry" Johnson, daughter-in-law, Judy Johnson; son-in-law, David Gardner and a granddaughter Jessica Young.Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 18, 2017 at 10:00 am at the Woodruff Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where a visitation will be held from 9:00 am to 9:45 am prior to the funeral services. The burial will take place on Saturday, August 19, 2027 at 10:00 am at the Safford Cemetery in Safford, Arizona.