Dakota County natives Wallace and Nancy Ellyson will be buried during an informal celebration at Omaha Valley Cemetery on Saturday, Sept. 20, at 10:30 a.m.
Formerly of Homer, Wally and Nancy lived in Nebraska and Wyoming before settling in the Grand Junction, Colo., area in 1987. After 63 years of marriage, Wally passed away on Jan. 29, 2023 and Nancy passed away on Nov. 23, 2023. They are survived by children, Cheryl (Steve) Calabro of Bellevue, Lori McKee of Clifton, Colo., and David (Jenifer) Ellyson of Palisade, Colo. They are also survived by eight grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, brother-in-law, Duane Harris, sisters-in-law Becky Ellyson and Brenda Ellyson, stepsister Mary (Petro) Kot, and many other family and friends.
During their years in Homer, Wally served as chief of the Homer Volunteer Fire Dept., and Nancy served as clerk/treasurer for the Village of Homer. Nancy was also a long-time pianist for the Homer United Methodist Church, where they were both members. They shared many years of outdoor activities while in Colorado, including camping, gardening, hunting, and sightseeing. Wally is remembered for his quick smile and sharp wit, and Nancy is remembered for her passion for music and service to her community.
The family will meet for lunch in Sioux City following the service, for anyone who would like to join.
