ELLIS HAWS

1915 - 2007

Ellis Dean Haws, second youngest child of Junius Orlando and Sarah Elizabeth Haws, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 5, 2007 at the age of 91 years.
He is survived by his wife of sixty four years Zola, his daughters Dixie (Gary) Schmitz of Medicine Hat, Jane Marsh of Claresholm and Corrine (Max) Tateson of Tilley; his sons Joseph (Pat) Haws of Sherwood Park and Michael Haws of Castor.  He is also survived by twenty one grandchildren, eighteen great grandchildren, one of whom he particularly enjoyed having as a namesake.
Ellis was the last surviving member of the Junius Haws family and was predeceased by his siblings Mary (Grant) Burbank, Fred Haws, Grant (Pearl) Haws, Elphye (John) Yuill, Marva Haws, Don Haws and Leah (John) Harbinson; two infant children Geraldine and Dean.
Ellis was born June 17, 1915 in Barnwell, where he was raised and attended school. He lost his mother at the age of five, an event that likely had the most impact on his life.  He was raised by his father and older sisters and brothers.  Ellis loved to play marbles, trap gophers and ride horses.
Ellis married Zola Ann Johnson on May 26, 1942.  They lived in Barnwell and then in Vauxhall, which they called home for thirty seven years and made many life long friends.  Ellis farmed a half section of irrigated farmland and ran about fifty head of cattle.  Ellis ensured each child had their own horse, which he named himself from his colorful verbal repertoire.  He also ensured there were regular family baseball games and river swims.  He also insisted on putting every city cousin who visited on horseback, wearing a cowboy hat, so their picture could be taken.
Ellis had a natural flair for storytelling and enjoyed retelling his favorites to anyone who would listen.  He also had a good singing voice and often sang at family and community events.
Ellis was a sports enthusiast who coached and transported his sons to their hockey and baseball interests.  He was a professional armchair quarter back and would watch any sports even if broadcast in french.  The day before his passing, he knew exactly who was playing in the Superbowl and had an opinion about who would win.
Ellis will be remembered as a unique character who rarely avoided expressing an opinion.  His lifelong love of the western way of life was strong and has been passed down to many of his offspring.  He has provided many colorful memories for those of us who will miss him and remember him with fondness.
The Funeral Service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Barnwell on Saturday, February 10, 2007 at 11:00 A.M. Interment to follow in the Barnwell Cemetery.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Ellis’ name may be made directly to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 207, 542 - 7 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 2H1.