Sally Lee Ellis

Sally (Benoit) Ellis, age 73, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 1, surrounded by her family.   Sally was born on December 13, 1944, in Burlington, Vermont; the second oldest of five children. At the age of 10, her family moved to Westchester, California. After her high school years, she was employed with a finance company. She ultimately moved to the Pacific Northwest raising her five children. Sally spent many years as a homemaker, but she began to work outside the home as a bank teller prior to beginning her career with Rosauers in 1983. She worked as a checker at Rosauers at the Y for a short time and then transferred to Rosauers on Third and Oak. Being a checker suited her perfectly. Sally was definitely a “people person” and she enjoyed the social interactions she had with her many customers over her 25 years with Rosauers.   She married Leland Ellis on September 21, 1991, in Honolulu, Hawaii. They shared 27 memorable years together. Beginning in March of 1992, they began their bi-yearly traveling tradition. They enjoyed 24 trips to Las Vegas, took numerous trips to the Oregon Coast, Southern California, and Arizona, as well as five trips to their favorite vacation spot--Honolulu, Hawaii.   Sally had something going on all the time. She could always find one more thing to add to her list of things to do. Tending to others’ needs though was truly her number one goal. She was a gracious and humble woman always putting others before herself, even in her final days. She had a special way of making others always feel good about themselves and had such a generous heart. She loved visits and long phone calls with her family and friends, cooking, working on projects, and hosting many memorable family gatherings. She always took pride in making sure her visitors felt welcome (and well-fed) while in her home. She was the glue that held our family together. Mom loved us unconditionally and was always there for us over the years. Those that knew her will always remember her incredible sense of humor no matter what circumstances she faced. We will miss her dearly and always treasure the times we shared. She will be in our hearts forever. Sally is survived by her husband Leland Ellis, her five children, two step-children, sixteen grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Dorothy Benoit.   The family would like to express our sincere gratitude to Dr. Brett Gourley and his staff at MultiCare Rockwood Cancer and Blood Specialty Center for the exceptional care they provided, as well as the ICU staff at Holy Family Hospital.   Viewing hours will be held from 12:00 PM-8:00 PM on Thursday, November 8, and 9:00 AM-6:00 PM on Friday, November 9 at Riplinger Funeral Home. Sally’s Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 10, 2018 at 11:00 AM at Riplinger Funeral Home, 4305 N. Division, Spokane. The graveside interment will be held at 1:00 PM at Holy Cross Cemetery, 7200 N. Wall, Spokane.