Laura Nell Ellis

Laura Nell Ellis, 74, of Saratoga passed away at her home on April 24, 2014 surrounded by her loving family after a courageous battle with cancer. Laura Nell was born on Oct. 31, 1939 in Laramie, to Orval and Nellie White Wallis.

She lived on various ranches in and around the Laramie area and moved to Saratoga in 1956 when her parents purchased the Campbell Ranch on Pass Creek.

In 1956 she met the love of her life, Don Ellis, at a dance in Valley Station. They were married in Laramie on Nov. 10, 1957. They lived on the Ellis Ranch on Difficulty Creek until 1960, when they purchased the Matson Ranch, where they ranched together until 1969, when they moved to Saratoga. While in Saratoga they owned and operated several businesses over the years including a motel, earth construction business and a John Deere Ag dealership. She went to work at the Platte Valley Medical Clinic and worked there for 24 years as the office manager. She retired in 2008.

Laura Nell was an incredible person who touched the lives of many people in her walk through life. Words are inadequate to describe her many talents and just how special she really was. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother who was devoted to caring for all. She will be missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Don, daughters Sue Jones (Wiley), of Encampment, and Linda Platts (Scott), of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Sons Mike (Rita) Ellis, of Medicine Bow and Joe Ellis, of South Pass City. Grandchildren Hazel Platts (Torrey Winfrey), Max Platts, Sam Platts, Emily Ellis, Jon Ellis, Jacob Ellis, Patrick Ellis, Elizabeth Ellis and great-granddaughter Tiana Winfrey. Brother Dan (Nancy) Wallis, of Saratoga, and numerous nieces.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a son, Patrick Thomas Ellis.

Services will be held May 3 at 2 p.m. in the Platte Valley Community Center in Saratoga. Honorary pallbearers for the service will be Rodney Bennett, Powd Boles, Wiley Jones, Scott Platts, Steve Rose, and Terry Rummell.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Corbett Medical Foundation, PO Box 343, Saratoga, WY 82331 or the Meredith & Jeannie Ray Cancer Center, 255 N. 30th Street, Laramie, WY 82072.