Orpah Ellestad

Orpah Ferrell Ellestad, beloved daughter, sister, wife, aunt, great aunt, missionary, and a woman of great faith passed away on Easter Sunday. A life-long member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she was beloved by all who knew her. She will be greatly missed. Her trials of this life have ended. She has run a good race, and finished well.

Orpah has returned home to her Heavenly Father and her husband, Edgar Bruce Ellestad, whom she met on July 24, 1959 and married on February 06, 1960. They had no children of their own, so all of her sisters’, and brothers’ children were treated equally as her own. Her heart was always big enough to love a new addition to her family.

Orpah served in the LDS Church in different callings. She started teaching in the primary when only 12 years old. She worked with the MIA Maids and the Laurels in the Young Womens program. She also served as a secretary or a counselor in various Relief Society presidencies as well as other callings throughout the years—always serving with distinction. She fulfilled four missions for the church, two of which she served with Edgar. She stated that they were some of the happiest times of her life.

Preceding her in death are her mother, Lynn Miller (Ferrell), her father, James Scoby Ferrell, two of her sisters, Norla Steiner (Curtis), and Desna Nordfelt (Orlon), 5 brothers, 2 half sisters, aunts and uncles.

She is survived by her eldest sister, Thersa Lovendale, who promised Edgar that she would take care of his sweetheart. Thersa even had the honor of introducing Edgar to her. Orpah thrived under Thersa’s care. Orpah had multiple health concerns that her sister and nephew, Clayton, faithfully helped in addressing.

She is also survived by those she received as her children from both the Ferrell and Ellestad familes. She was especially close those children of her sisters:
Thersa’s children: Lynn, Clayton, and Lisa
Norla’s children: Myrna, Thurston, Mickie, and Janette
Desna’s children: Tessa Lynn, Susan (deceased), Bruce (deceased), Valerie, Debbie, and Greg.
Along with all their spouses, children and grandchildren.

We wish to express thanks to her physicians, Dr. Bireen Whitten and Dr. Edward Miner, for the years of dedicated care given. We express appreciation to Intermountain Homecare and Hospice for their concern and expertise during this trying time. Special thanks to all the family and friends who have expressed their concern and love. It will never be forgotten.

Funeral arrangements have been made through Rogers and Taylor Funeral Home, Tremonton, Utah. Viewing and funeral services will be held at Edison Ward (Pioneer Stake) at 1401 West 700 South, Salt Lake City, Utah. Viewing Thursday evening (April 4) from 6-8 p.m. Funeral Friday morning (April 5) at 10 a.m. with a brief viewing beginning at 9 a.m. Interment in Park Valley, Utah next to Edgar.

Rest in peace beloved Sister and Aunt. You will be missed. Long will we await our reunion, then we will rejoice.