Steve Ellis was relatively new to the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Columbus. In fact, most of us did not know him before he was diagnosed with colon cancer. But the disease never defined him. Despite his ongoing struggle, Steve quickly became a valuable contributor to our fellowship. As members we pledge to support each other in our own unique, individual searches for truth and meaning. Steve read widely, thought deeply and freely shared himself. He participated in discussion groups and sang with the UU Singers almost to the end. He even help construct our new meditation garden. It feels like we lost and old friend.
Below is the obituary that appeared in the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer.
Steven Ellis
July 14, 1950—May 25, 2016
Columbus, Ga.—Steven Ellis, 65, of Columbus, Ga. died Wednesday, May 25, 2016, at Gentiva Hospice.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 28, 2016, at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship at 8827 Heiferhorn Way in Columbus. Minister Ed Wilson will officiate.
Steve was born July 14, 1950, in Peru, Ind., the son of Arthur and Viva Burket Ellis. He worked as a registered nurse for Gentiva Hospice in Columbus, where he died, and he was a U.S. Army veteran.
Steve had a passion for learning, jazz and literature. In fact, he would be fairly miffed if it wasn’t mentioned that he finished “War and Peace” the week before he died. Steve was a brilliant man with a talent for storytelling; he could describe spreading butter on toast so eloquently that you would nominate his description for a Newberry Medal. He was a truth-seeker to the end and proudly took stands against Monsanto, big government, and the federal reserve.
Steve is survived by a crew of family and friends that will love, honor, and cherish his memory until the end of our days. Thank you for sharing your magic with us while you graced this dimension with your presence.
Those who wish may sign the on-line guest registry at www.mcmullenfuneralhome.com.
Published in the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer on May 26, 2016.