Ellis Roberts Parry Jr. died on February 9, 2024 at the age of 79. Ellis was born to Ellis and Phyllis Parry on January 14, 1945 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Raised on the east coast, Ellis came to Montana in September, 1965 to attend college at Rocky Mountain College, graduating in 1971 with a BA in English. Ellis added an Elementary Education major at Eastern Montana College in 1974 and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership at the University of Montana in 1988.
Work history consisted of almost four decades of service in public education – teacher, principal, and superintendent. These assignments ranged from one end of the state to the other – three reservations – always small towns. There were also short side-trips to Alaska, Minnesota, and North Dakota over the years but Ellis always came home to Montana.
In addition to his work at schools, Ellis was always reading and writing about Montana History. Montana Dateline, a weekly newspaper column and a fixture at the Independent Press of Forsyth since 1992, was published in book form by Globe -Pequot Press in 2001.
Ellis’s work with history culminated with the 2017 Custer Circle Project where Ellis and his colleague Dennis Kopitzke placed nineteen historical markers throughout Rosebud and Treasure Counties. These markers add to the narrative regarding the events leading up to the Battle of the Little Bighorn and its aftermath.
A person of many interests, Ellis loved baseball, old movies (how ironic his last school was Rosebud!) and all types of music. A guitar player of sorts from 1970 on, Ellis stopped playing in 1987 due to work. Guitar playing in retirement began again in 2011 with the purchase of a candy apple red Tele. Playing blues-lead in his early 70s became an important part of Ellis’s daily practice sessions and a source of considerable satisfaction.
His beloved wife Debra of 39 years, sister Christine and her partner Rose, son Nathaniel, daughter Elizabeth (Carey DeMatties), son Nolan and grandsons Maddox, Theodore, and Archer survive Ellis. Cremation has taken place.
Ashes will be cast to the wind over flowing water from the Montana land that Ellis loved so well.
There are plans for a celebration of Ellis’ life and relationships, in the spring of 2024.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
11:00 AM
Saturday May 25, 2024
Haugo Center Center at Riverview Villa
483 E Rosebud St
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
11:00 AM
Saturday May 25, 2024
Haugo Center Center at Riverview Villa
483 E Rosebud St
Forsyth, Montana 59327
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Cooper says
I am so sorry to hear of Ellis passing. My prayers go out to his family and friends
Diane M Welbes says
Oh, Deb and family-I am so sorry to hear this–Ellis truly taught me how to be a better teacher and care for students. He was one of a kind and please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Connie Brown says
To Ellis’s family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. While working at the Independent Press I could Always count on Ellis to get his Dateline first thing to me. Rest in peace, as your life on earth was well done!
Lynelle Tompkins says
Such a well lived life. Love of music, education and Montana. A wonderful partner in Deb, children, and friends. He will be missed but fondly remembered.
Shelley Rickett says
A live well lived. Such a nice gentleman. Cherish the memories!
Sharon Wetsch says
I’m so sorry for your loss. Ellis was such a kind person. I know he will be missed by our whole community. RIP.
Hugs Deb
Wayne & Lane Buck says
So very sorry to hear of the passing of Ellis. He was truly a great person and one of a kind. He will be missed by all. I enjoyed the time I got to spend working on different projects with him. Deb and family you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Kay and Rocky Berdahl says
Deb, Nolan and all of Ellis’ family,
Sorry for your loss! Thoughts and prayers are with you!
Jack and Beverly Nile says
Deb and family, thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Joby Parker says
Dear Deb and family
I’m so very sorry to hear of Ellis’ passing. I always enjoyed visiting with him at school and at my office. He always had such interesting stories.
Bill and I will keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time! God Bless!
Bill and Joby Parker
Jack & Kris Crocker says
So very sorry to hear of the passing of Ellis. He was truly a great person and one of a kind. He will be missed by all. We enjoyed the time we got to visit with him. Deb and family you are in our thoughts and prayers.
BERNADETTE MILLER says
Deb and Nathan – You are in my prayers during this difficult time. I’m sure Verlin welcomed Ellis with a hearty handshake in heaven! If there is anything I can do for you please let me know.
Catherine Byron says
Deb and family-
What a legacy Ellis gifted to this history-rich region! His impeccable research is now preserved for future generations. Each of his narratives brings the skirmishes of the 1800s to life! My heart and prayers are with each of you at this difficult time. Though we have time to prepare for the separation, it is never easy. Focus on the good memories. That is where the healing lies.
Carol Gamble says
Deb and family, So sorry! I pray the memories you have made together help you during this time. Big hugs and prayers for all of you!!
Ron and Ruth Burman says
Deb:
we,are very saddened by this news.Comdolences,Hugs and Prayers to you and your Families.
Ron and Ruth Burman says
Deb:
we,are very saddened by this news.Condolences,Hugs and Prayers to you and your Families.
Ann Stuart says
Oh Debbie. I am so sorry for your loss. Keeping you and your family in our prayers
Joyce DeMatteis says
Dear Friend
Deb
Perhaps they are not really stars in the sky, but rather they are openings for our loved ones to shine and let us know they are happy.
We are so very sorry for your loss ♥️
Judy Harris (Tallwhiteman) says
Oh, Debbie – I am so sad to see this. Deepest condolences to you and the family. It’s hard to believe our Wyola days were so long ago when you were a young bride. Ellis had some great stories. Wishing you peace and comfort during your time of loss. ♥️
Doug & Cherie Heser says
Deb and Family,
What an asset Ellis was to so many through education and through his wonderful research and published Montana history shared in such a unique way. We have been so lucky to have him in our lives, and I was especially grateful to him for his role on the Library Board. Our hearts go out to you and our prayers are with you.
Tabatha Hallman says
Please know my thoughts and prayers are with your family during this time. Ellis was a truly wonderful person.
De-De says
Sorry to hear of your loss.
De-De and Terry
jackie dassinger says
Ellis was a great elementary principal. When he applied for the job I was hoping he would be hired as he had made a pleasing impression on me. He proved to be a very caring and supportive person. Steve and I so enjoyed the visits we had with Ellis and you, Deb. So grateful to have known and had the friendship with the both of you. Thinking of you and your family. Jackie and Steve
Cynthia Stanton says
Deb, Nolan and families,
You’re in my thoughts and prayers.
Ellis was so wonderful to me. And to Brady as a very young high school student in Ashland.
My condolences,
Cindy Stanon, Brady Mothershead and families
Dick Haugen says
I only met Ellis one and that was at a book reading at the Forsyth library. He introduced himself and we talked for quite a while and subsequently we spoke a number of times on the phone. What an interesting and nice fellow. He left the world a better place with his writing. I wish I had known him longer.
George Pinkham says
Ellis was a best buddy during high school. One adventure we shared was a hitch hiking trip from Ridgewood NJ to Milwaukee in 1963. A true friend is one who shares sleeping on an anthill in western PA one night. He was always ready for a good time and always a good company. He’ll be missed.
Lisa Blevins says
Ellis had a big heart and a big smile.
You knew he truly cared for the students and staff. He proudly served as Supt. of Rosebud School.
Ellis you will be missed.
KIM Wheadon says
Deb I am so sorry, I do not have words to make it better, Ellis was and is a wonderful caring man.
Melody Haynes says
Sincere Sympathy, to Ellis’s family. I met Ellis, while at RMC. I graduated one year later.
Later, my friend Diana told me that he was at Rosebud. I would occasionally run into him
In Miles City. He was always friendly and upbeat. He will be missed by many!