Eleanor Ellis

2/2/1935 — 1/7/2026

Send a Condolence

Eleanor Mabel Ellis passed away Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, at her home.

Eleanor was born Feb. 2, 1935, to Pearl and Leona (William) Anderson in Rosalia, Wash.

At the age of 5, she moved with her family to Sunset, Wash. It was there that her lifelong love of singing began – she joined the choir and shared her beautiful voice with anyone who would listen. After graduating in 1953 from St. John School, she moved to Clarkston to live with her sister, Rosalea Johnson, and her family. She married Jordan Von Tersch in June of 1954, moved to Lewiston and together they raised nine children before their divorce in 1975. While married she was active in the Our Lady of Lourdes Church, school organizations and Altar Society (naming her Woman of the Year in 1970).

While living in Lewiston, she formed cherished friendships with Darlene Leachman and Geraldine Fredrickson trading recipes, laughs and raising their families together. Darlene and Mom served as Bluebird leaders, and their kids are still friends to this day.

Later she met and fell in love with Thomas Ellis while working at the Lewiston Morning Tribune. On Aug. 24, 1980, they were married in Sumas, Wash. For many years, she and Tom were deeply involved with the Nez Perce Eagles No. 631, holding various offices. Through the Eagles and bingo events, they raised funds for the community’s needs, forged lasting friendships and created cherished memories. Mount Rushmore in South Dakota with the ritual team was one of her favorite trips. If they weren’t at the Eagles, they would have been at the Clearwater Casino. She also belonged to the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary No. 18.

She loved to sew, bake, cook, play bingo, card games or slot machines and watch her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren play sports, always cheering the loudest with boundless pride and love. But her passion was baking, always baking for someone she loved.

She was preceded in death by her sons, Daniel and Michael Von Tersch; stepdaughter Debbie Ellis-Taufen; grandson Gary Greene-Law; great granddaughter Dani; her siblings Rosalea Johnson, Johnny Anderson and George Anderson; and her parents.

She is survived by her husband, Tom Ellis; her children: David (Barbie) Von Tersch, of Aloha, Ore., Mary Law (Gene deceased) and Carol Von Tersch, of Clarkston, Lois (Rhonda) Von Tersch, of Austin, Texas, Sheryl (Larry) Fowler, Jon (Laura) Von Tersch and JoElla (David) Bromund, of Lewiston, Chris Crabb and Joe Ellis, of Spokane, Doris (Bart) Gableman, of Troy, Byron (Amy) Ellis, of Lewiston and Pam Ellis, of Asotin; 28 grandkids, 55 great-grand kids, 18 great-great-grand kids and one great-great-great-grandchild.

A celebration of life will be held at the Lewiston Eagles No. 631 in the spring. Eleanor’s life was a testament to love, faith, community and the simple joy of nurturing others. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew her. “Love you Mom!”

Print Obituary Send a Condolence Back to Listings