Ellis Black

Ellis Rex Black, 82, of Ft. Thomas, passed away at his home on June 12, 2024. He was born November 12, 1941 at his home in Geronimo, AZ to parents Rex and Lorna (Brown) Black. He was 4th of 7 kids. His siblings were Lewis Black, Belva (Marble), Sherrill (Herbert), Steven Black, Spencer Black, and Edith (Richards). He spent his early life working on the family dairy farm. 

He graduated from Ft. Thomas High School in 1960 and then attended Eastern Arizona College for a short time where he met Roxsanna LaPreel Goodman on a blind date. Ellis instantly fell in love, however, his lifelong friend, Robert Gilliland, convinced him to go on a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He was called to the Southern States Mission and served from 1961-1963. 

After returning home, he continued to date Roxie and they married in the Mesa Arizona Temple on August 7, 1963. They were blessed with 7 children: Dixie, Mary Kaye, Ellisa, Bill, Rusty, Larry and Steven (Gene). They raised their large family in Ft. Thomas, AZ. He worked on the family dairy farm as well as driving buses for Ft. Thomas schools and later drove semi-trucks for local farmers hauling grain and cotton. Lastly, he was a road grader operator for the county until he retired. He was a hard worker who loved being outdoors and meeting and talking to people. One of his many hobbies was digging for fossils at archeological sites. He also enjoyed wood carving and foundry. He was a lover of all things history, dogs, and most of all, his grandchildren.

He is survived by 6 children: Mary Kaye Black, Ellisa (Danny) Carrasco, Bill Black, Rusty (Becki) Black, Larry (Tara) Black, Steven EuGene (Beth) Black, 13 grandkids, 6 great-grandkids, and his brother Spencer Black. He is preceded in death by his wife, Roxie, daughter Dixie, his parents, and 5 siblings. 

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 18, 2024 at the Ft. Thomas Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints chapel at 10:00 a.m. with a viewing on Monday from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and Tuesday morning at 9:00 a.m. prior to the funeral services. Interment will be at the Ashurst Cemetery following the services.