Audrey M. Ellis

Audrey Ellis passed away at home on January 29th with her son Mark by her side, listening one last time to recordings of Vin Scully announcing memorable plays from Dodger baseball.

Audrey was born in Canada while it was still part of the British Empire. In 1938 she immigrated with her family to the United States, becoming a citizen in 1944. In 1949, Audrey married Richard (Dick) Lewis. They moved from Michigan to California where Dick attended USC dental school and settled in Long Beach just before their son Mark was born.

Audrey and Dick divorced in 1967 and she and Mark moved to Santa Barbara shortly thereafter. Audrey’s best friend introduced her to Roy Ellis and the two were married in 1972. They remained together until his death in 2019.

With friends and relatives spread out across the US and Canada, Audrey and Roy crisscrossed North America many times in their beloved Airstream trailer. Often their trips took a diversion to Las Vegas so Audrey could play the nickel slots.

Audrey was active with the Santa Barbara Women’s Club and Eastern Star. She delighted in puzzles and always had Jumble and crossword books on the go.

Protective, compassionate and profoundly kind, Audrey will be remembered by friends and family for her countless selfless acts. If someone looked like they were in need of a helping hand, she offered hers.

A child of the Great Depression, Audrey understood hardship and hard work. Complaining was not in her nature; she figured that no matter how hard she had it, someone was even worse off.

For 98 years, the love she gave enriched those around her and she will be profoundly missed.

Audrey is survived by her son Mark Lewis and nephews Jim and Jeff Cook.