Obituary of Helen T. Ellis

Helen Torstenson Ellis passed away peacefully in a Tucson care facility Tuesday, Feb. 24, at age 91. Helen was born in Chicago and graduated from Northwestern University with a music education degree. She taught music and played trumpet for several bands and concert groups and did many volunteer performances. She and her former husband, Lloyd W. Golder III, deceased in 2013, had five children - Donald Golder, John Golder, Michael Golder, Wendy Ducote (Richard) and Julie Golder. All children survive her. They moved to Tucson in 1957 and lived on Rancho Vistoso. She later married William T. Ellis, deceased in 2000, and helped to raise his children, Deborah Leoni (Dennis), Pamela Darnell (Bob) and James Ellis (Lynn). All survive her. She is also survived by 17 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. She worked for 15 years as a travel agent, was an active volunteer for many groups, and was an avid world traveler, musician, tennis player and golfer. Helen had a great love for the outdoors and enjoyed nature, hiking, swimming, camping, fishing and boating. She also conducted extensive research into her family geneology. In recent years, Helen lived in Saddlebrooke, Sun City Vistoso and The Fountains at La Cholla. Her family extends grateful thanks for the loving care she received in her final days from the Assurance Hospice Team and the wonderful staff at the Crossroads Adult Care Home. Arrangements for a memorial service are pending. Those wishing to join in the service in early spring may sign the guest book through Adair Avalon Chapel (www.AdairFunderalHomes.com) and leave contact information.