Ellis Luthi

Ellis K. Luthi age 77, loving husband, father, grandpa and GG’s grandpa, passed away Tuesday, July 26th at home.
Ellis was born October 26, 1944, in Preston, Idaho to Frank G. and Idella Garrett Luthi.
Ellis graduated from Granite High School in 1963. In 1965, he enlisted in the United States Navy.
Ellis was a proud Vietnam Veteran, who served as an Aviation Machinist/Jet Engine Mechanic. He served on many aircraft carriers, the USS Hornet, USS Intrepid and the USS Forrestal. He was present on the day of the infamous, tragic, fire, in July of 1967, that killed 134 sailors and injured 161 others. You were one of the lucky ones, if you got to hear the story about, how a pack of cigarettes saved his life that day.
Ellis was honorably discharged, from active duty, in 1969. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal (with 3 bronze stars) the Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Navy Unit Commendation ribbon.
He married the love of his life, Mary Margaret Morton, in Elko, Nevada, on April 17, 1971. Family life came quickly, as Mary came as a package deal, with 2 little redheaded girls Bonnie and Connie and by 1972, with the arrival of Jennifer, their family was complete.
Ellis worked for the government, as a jet engine mechanic, primarily at Hill Air Force Base, with a brief stint, at Kirkland Airforce Base, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Ellis retired from the government, after 31 years and promptly began a new career with UTA, where he remained until his “real” retirement in 2012.
Ellis never remained idle, in addition to his full-time job, he had a cleaning business that he started with his brother-in-law, Bob Earl. He also worked for Heaton Roofing for several years. If he wasn’t working, you could always find him helping someone fix their car, move, finish a basement, a fence, or put in a yard.
He loved spending time at the farm, with his brother Allen and his niece Karen, (who I think was his favorite). He loved to camp, hunt, fish, and golf with his brothers, nephews, and grandsons. He considered it a personal achievement, to always be the first one awake, and be the first one, with a brewed pot of coffee. He was an avid sports fan, watching golf and NASCAR. He loved to watch the Utah Jazz and he didn’t miss a game. Let us not forget his obsession, with the national geographic and nature channels, that he could watch for hours on end.
Ellis is survived by his daughters Connie Griffis (Doug), and Jennifer Smith. His brothers Frank Luthi (Cindy), Roger Luthi, Mark Luthi (Tamara), Steve Luthi (Linda) and his sisters Clara Norris (Al), Jane Casper (David) and Dorothy Breinholt (Keith), and his sister-in-law Ann Luthi, his grandchildren, Bridgett Lansfeldt (Jesse), Brittney Ortega (James), Douglas Jordan Griffis, (Kaili), Chase Griffis, Chelsey Griffis, and Samuel Ellis Smith. His great grandchildren Alyssa, Donavon, Issac, Quintin, and his best buddies Cade and Calvin Walters. In addition, a plethora of very, much loved, nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his wife Mary, his parents Frank and Idella Luthi, his daughter Bonnie Bettinson, his brothers; Allen Luthi, Rene Luthi, Fred Keith Luthi, his sister Evelyn Luthi and nieces Carey Ann Luthi Christensen and Rebecca Luthi Hoyt and nephew Samuel Thomas Luthi.
Special thanks and gratitude for Jennifer and Sam and the healthcare workers from Aspire, in particular Ellen, for taking such good care of him throughout his illness.
 
A graveside service will be held, Friday, August 5, 2022, at 10:00 a.m.
Memorial Redwood Cemetery, 6500 South Redwood Road, West Jordan, Utah.
Service Information

Graveside Service
August 5, 2022 at 10:00 AM
Memorial Redwood Mortuary & Cemetery