Evelyn Ellis-Willis

April 8, 1923 – July 2, 2023

Evelyn, born Eveline Rosemary Adams on April 8, 1923, in Pearson, WA to Clarence Herbert Adams and Angela Franciska Domke, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 2, 2023, at Lompoc Skilled Nursing & Rehab Center. She recently celebrated her 100th birthday with her closest friends and family, which she truly enjoyed.

Evy worked in the Aerospace industry for 24 years. In the early years of NASA at Vandenberg, she was the Executive Secretary to Henry Van Goey, NASA's top Executive. She recalled in later years how exciting it was to meet men from all over the world and drive them to various functions. She enjoyed hearing their conversations and telling them about our Lompoc Valley.

After retiring from NASA, Evy worked as the Executive Secretary at the Lompoc Valley Chamber of Commerce. She made several life-long friends while there who helped her celebrate her 100th birthday.

Evy married James Ellis, Jr in 1943 and was married for twenty-five years. In 1992, Evy met and married Donald Willis. She became active in Lompoc Valley Women in Chamber of Commerce, St. Mary's Church, The Lincoln Club, Navy League, Altar Guild, Martha's Guild (as one of the original eight member group), Lompoc Valley Republican Women's Club (where she was an outstanding model in their fashion shows), and was a Red Cross Volunteer at Lompoc District Hospital.

Evelyn loved to play golf with her best friend Joni Semelsberger. They had so many laughs and always had a great time on the golf course. She also loved to dance with Don at the Cotillion Club where they would dance the night away! She loved to be out having a good time. She was also a very caring and compassionate friend to many. She would visit those who were homebound, taking her beloved poodle Monet to visit also. She was very comforting to her friends who had suffered losses. In fact, you could see Evy driving her white Cadillac all around Lompoc with her faithful Monet by her side. Monet went everywhere with her and Don, even on their yearly trip to Port Orchard to visit Evy's Mother who lived to be 103 years old.

Evelyn is survived by her brother Russell Childers, Son-in-law Brent Hazen (Margo), Nephew Steve Childers (Wilma), Brian Childers (Carolyn), Niece Megan Thompson (Robert), Grandson Blake Hazen, four great nieces and nephews, and five great-great nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her loving husband Don, parents, step-daughter Cheryl Hazen, and her much loved Monet.

Evy asked this be shared upon her passing:

MISS ME – BUT LET ME GO

When I come to the end of the road, And the sun has set for me,

I want no rights in a gloom filled room, Why cry for a soul set free?

Miss me a little – but not too long, And not with your head bowed low.

Remember the love that we once shared; Miss me – but let me go.

For this is a journey we all must take, And each must go alone.

It's all a part of the Master's plan, A step on the road to home.

When you are lonely and sick of heart, Go to the friends we know;

And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds. Miss me – but let me go.

Christina Rossetti

There will be a service for Evelyn, Thursday, July 13, 2023, at St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 2800 Harris Grade Road at 10:00am in the Memorial Garden. There will be light refreshments following the service to share memories and stories.