Ethan E Ellsworth

Ethan E Ellsworth, 53, of Show Low, Arizona, passed away October 23, 2021 after a brief illness.

Ethan was born September 25, 1968 to Elrowe and Betty Anne (Lindsey) Ellsworth in McNary, Arizona. He was their third child and first boy. Ethan went on to gain 5 more sisters, before finally having a little brother added to the family when he was 11. Being raised in a house full of girls helped him hone his teasing skills, which served him well the rest of his life.

Ethan grew up on the family ranch, following his dad from the time he could walk. In his father’s shadow he learned all aspects of ranching, operating heavy equipment and hunting. He developed a deep love for it all, and was good at anything he put his hand to.

Ethan attended Show Low schools through his freshman year, then transferred to Blue Ridge High School. After graduation, Ethan served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Washington, Spokane mission. He loved his time serving the people in Washington, Oregon and Idaho and his mission was a pivotal moment in his life.

Ethan attended Eastern Arizona College, where he met the girl of his dreams, Tami Tolman. They married and returned to Show Low, the home he always loved. In the coming years they were blessed with five children – Emery, Alyssa, Ely, Eastyn and Ashtyn (his little later-in-life blessing). They raised their family near his parents, teaching them the same values Ethan was raised with. Ethan, like his father before him, took his kids to work or played with them whenever he could. He shared his love and life lessons whether from horseback or in a tree stand – the lessons learned and the love felt are eternal.

Ethan spent his days working the family ranch, working construction projects, maintaining irrigation in Show Low and Pinetop/Lakeside as the ditch boss, and helping out wherever he was needed. He was most at home outdoors and was an avid hunter who loved being a part of anyone’s hunt – kids, friends, family and even strangers. He served many roles in the community and volunteered his time with a number of organizations, including the Farm Bureau, Cattleman’s Association, NRCD, and Project CNTRL just to name a few. His opinion and advice was valued and sought after by many people.

Ethan was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and his spirituality played an important role in his life. His beliefs were evident in his actions and shaped every aspect of his life. He served many roles in the church and was Bishop of the Show Low Creek Ward at the time of his passing.

Ethan leaves a legacy of love and service. The outpouring of love for Ethan and anecdotes of the acts of service he selflessly performed have been a constant. There are endless stories of times he showed up to help build, chase cattle, take youth out for the coolest activities, help someone move, do yard work, and comfort those in need.

If you didn’t know Ethan well, it was hard to know if he was being serious. If you did know him well, you knew he was always joking.

Ethan was preceded in death by his parents, Elwin Elrowe and Betty Anne Ellsworth and an infant sister, Elizabeth.

Ethan is survived by Tami, his wife of 30 years, as well as five children: Emery (Trenda) Ellsworth, Alyssa (Parker) Reidhead, Ely Ellsworth, Eastyn Ellsworth, Ashtyn Ellsworth; one grandson Emmett Ellsworth; seven sisters: Dicie Anne (Shawn) Palmer, Delline (Kenny) Angle, Temberly Ellsworth, Velmarie (Allen) Foster, Eleece (Jeff) Gardner, Dawniel (Jon) Flake, Alene Kovac and a brother, Jonathan (Kim) Ellsworth; also many, many nieces and nephews, countless friends, numerous in-laws and an occasional outlaw.

He was a beloved father, husband, grandpa, uncle, brother and friend. His loss will be felt throughout the community and beyond for years to come.

A visitation will be held Friday, October 29, 2021 from 6 – 8 pm in the Show Low Downtown Chapel; a viewing will be Saturday, October 30 from 8 – 9:30 am, followed by funeral services beginning at 10 am. Interment will follow at the Show Low Cemetery.

The funeral will also be broadcast on Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/95332587007?pwd=bWtSWUI4d2ZVUHVZeEllWGRpUUZLQT09

Meeting ID: 953 3258 7007  Passcode: 123456