Francis Mary Ellis

A bright shining light and irrepressible smile was extinguished when our mother, grandmother, great grandmother and best friend left us due to causes incident to age. That she managed to do it on her 95th birthday surprised no one.

Born in Chicago, Ill., to Frank and Mary Zimmerman, she graduated from St. Xavier College with a B.S. in chemistry. Her subsequent work with the War Department led to meeting her future husband Frank Harner and a marriage that lasted 30 years, producing three children she cherished. After Frank’s passing in 1973, Fran married Clyde Ellis, a 24-year union that ended with Clyde’s death in 1999.

An active member of St. Ambrose Catholic Church, Fran was involved with the Catholic Women’s League, 49er’s Club, Third Order of Franciscans, St. Ann’s Guild and especially enjoyed helping care for the “old people’’ at St. Joseph Villa well into her 80’s. If that didn’t keep her occupied she could be found playing cards with friends, bowling and traveling the world.

Fran is survived by brother Frank Zimmerman (Barb) and sister in- law Cecil Zimmerman (Girard); sons Rick Harner (Len) and Tom Harner (Barbi) and daughter Lynn Wilson (John); grandchildren Heather Haworth (Jeff), Andrew Harner (Marcella), Robert Harner (Rachael), Rebecca Wilson and Daniel Wilson (Cori); nine beautiful great grandchildren; Clyde’s daughters Rose Ellis Renfroe (Mike), Evelyn Ellis Gadette, granddaughter Jamie Gadette (Charlie Lewis) and very dear friend, Jean Prather. Preceded in death by beloved sister, Loretta Kennebeck and brother, Girard Zimmerman.

Fran’s life will be celebrated on Tuesday, Oct. 27, from 6–8 p.m., at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 S. 900 E.. Complimentary valet parking will be available at the north entrance. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, Oct. 28, at 10 a.m., at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, 2315 S. Redondo Ave. 

In lieu of flowers, Fran asked that you please consider a donation to J. E. Cosgriff Memorial Catholic School, 2335 Redondo Ave., Salt Lake City, UT 84108

We love you mom. Rest in peace.