F. Don Ellsworth

Franklin Don Ellsworth, more often known as F. Don Ellsworth, ended his battle with pancreatic cancer on September 1, 2019, at the age of eighty-five. Throughout the three-year battle, his smile never left, and in the end, he found that long-awaited place of peace. He was never in pain and his sense of humor was in full swing as he embraced his transition to the next life. He passed surrounded by his loving wife and his children. 

Don was born on November 16, 1933, to Iona Patten and Joseph Hyrum Ellsworth in Mona, Utah. He was the firstborn of four children. Don had many interests and talents, from football, boxing, and track in high school, to reading, singing in choirs, painting, bread making, taking piano lessons in his mid-years, and playing the harmonica. With that great smile of his, he was always willing to try something new. Don took great pride in serving his fellow man. He served in the Army for three years during the Korean War as a Finance Dispersing Specialist at Fort Lewis, Washington. He was an outdoorsman who loved teaching his kids to camp, hunt, and fish. He spent years serving in the Boy Scouts program and received the Silver Buffalo Award. Don started his professional career in insurance, eventually opening his own agency. He was a doer and succeeded at nearly everything he did. Despite his many interests, his priority was always family & friends. 

He married his beautiful bride Judith Lee Robertson at the age of twenty-one. They had a joyful life together having nine children: Steven Ellsworth, David Ellsworth, Douglas Ellsworth (Nancy), Susan Bugg, Kristina Allison, Annette Babbitt (Richard), Melissa Cunningham (Bryan), Sarah Wiser (Ryan), and Karen Wagstaff (Michael). After Judy’s passing in1995, Don met and had an “instant spark” knowing he would marry the delightful Luciel Collett.  Marrying Lu meant his family doubled with her eight children: Daryl Collett (Laurie), Cindy Lou Robertson (John), Michelle Hancock (Arlow), Renee Johnson (Bert), Marna McGonegal (Patrick), Mark Collett (Linda), Dean Collett (Jill), Eric Collett. Don has many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who love and adore him. 

Don was a life-long member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served in many callings, including years of working with young men, a five-year couples temple mission, and a genealogy mission. Don was always the guy who went above and beyond his callings. He was always there with a helping hand and a great smile serving family, friends, and neighbors. He was dedicated to living the gospel and loved serving those around him. In the hearts and minds of those who knew Don, he will always be remembered as a man who loved deeply and cared about others. When in his presence you always knew he was thinking of you. His example and manner will be in our hearts forever.

A Memorial will be held in honor of F. Don Ellsworth at Aaron’s Mortuary, 496 24th Street, Ogden, Ut 84401. Ph. 801-393-5678 on Tuesday, September 10, 2019, at 6:30 pm with visitation from 5:30 to 6:30 pm prior to the service..