Ellis Foster

Biography Ellis Melvin Foster, 64, passed away on Friday, July 11, at his home. A lifelong Pima resident, Ellis graduated from Pima High School and later Eastern Arizona College with a bachelors degree in business. He was born on April 23, 1950, to Melvin Ellis and Nola Fay Cloud Foster. A proud Vietnam veteran, Ellis served three years in the Army during the war. After his return home, he grew cotton near Pima and experimented with native cotton colors. He worked for Phelps Dodge Corporation, and later Freeport McMoRan Copper and Gold, as a truck driver and blaster, completing his career in the Human Resources Division in 2009. His favorite hobbies included fishing, playing dominos, and spending time with family and friends. He loved the outdoors, frequently camping in the Cedar Springs area with his family. Some of his most memorable events were the birth of his twin daughters and seeing his grandson graduate from Pima High School this year. Ellis is survived by Deana, his wife of 36 years; daughter JLynn (Kody) Bartlett; grandchildren Tyler, Heidi, McKyla, and Kamron; brother Johnny (Cheryl) Foster; mother Nola; his adopted family of Nick, Tonya, and Nicole Sandoval; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his daughter Heidi, father Melvin, and niece Kara. A celebration of Ellis life will be held at a future date. Contributions in memory of Ellis can be sent to Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, or other veteran-assistance organizations.