Roger R. Ellis

Roger R. Ellis, 89, of Rockford, passed away on Wednesday, February 22, 2023.

Roger was born in Rockford on December 16, 1933, son of Joseph and Maurietta (Ross) Ellis. He graduated from West High School and went on to earn his undergraduate and master’s degrees from Northern Illinois University. Roger was a dedicated teacher of band and choral music for 35 years, spending most of his career at Auburn High School. He was a lifetime member of Grace United Methodist Church where he served as choir director for many years, was active with United Methodist Men, church league softball, handbell choir, leader of vacation bible school and was instrumental in relocation of the church from State Street to McFarland Road. Roger was a member and announcer of the Rockford Concert Band, director of the Kishwaukee Valley Band, actor in several productions with Starlight Theater and was a bell ringer for the Salvation Army. He also dedicated his time as an IHSA umpire for high school baseball and softball. Roger was a loyal Cubs fan and proud to have witnessed them win the World Series in 2016. He loved spending time doing needlepoint projects, camping and traveling the world with his family, reading, playing sudoku and had a great passion for his bible study. Most of all, Roger cherished his time spent with family and friends. He will be dearly missed.

Surviving relatives include his wife of 68 years, Joellyn Ellis; children, Kathleen (Joe) McGuire, Karen (Todd) Moe and Mark (Cathy) Ellis; grandchildren, Tina McGuire, Steven (Dr. April Callis) McGuire, Amy (Tim) Antor, Lisa (Cameron) Wills, Sarah (Kevin) Tracy, Kiersten (Joe) Humboldt, Molly Anderson and Samantha (Lucas) Peck; great-grandchildren, Ellie, Leo, Aemon, Desmond, Noah and Clarity; nephews, Tom, Glenn and Ross Avery. Roger is predeceased by his parents and sister, Jackie Avery.

A funeral service will be held Monday, February 27, 2023, at 11:30 a.m. located at Grace United Methodist Church, 3555 McFarland Rd. Rockford, IL 61114. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until time of service at 11:30 a.m. also in the church. A luncheon will immediately follow the service at church. Private family burial will conclude in Greenwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Roger’s name to Grace United Methodist Church. Share online memories and condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com