Marilou Etta Ellis, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, friend and dedicated community member, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2026, at the age of 84.
Marilou was born on Oct. 6, 1941, in Fruita Colo., to Faye and Lee Ellis. In 1971, she moved to California with her two children, and in 1976 she made Mariposa her home, where she would spend the remainder of her life.
A passionate gardener and lover of the outdoors, Marilou devoted countless hours to cultivating both her garden and her community. In 1995, she helped establish the Master Gardener Program in Mariposa and remained actively involved for more than 20 years, sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm with others.
Marilou worked for Storming Machinery & Well Drilling for several years and also served the community as a local VIA bus driver during the flood of 1997. She was a proud member of the Red Hat Society and enjoyed the friendships and fellowship it provided.
She is survived by her son, Rett White of Parma, Idaho; her grandson, Tyler Smerber of El Portal; and her great-grandchildren, Eva Araque (Justin), Keegan Smerber, and Vera Lin Smerber of Mariposa. She is also survived by her sisters, Jean and bother Leroy; her niece, Peggy DeBuyser (Jim); and many other nieces and nephews.
Marilou was preceded in death by her daughter, Terri Lin White, and her sister Frances Verreault.
A Celebration of Life will be held on June 20, 2026, from noon to 3 p.m. at McCay Hall, 2820 Highway 140, Catheys Valley.
Family and friends are invited to bring a favorite dish to share for a potluck lunch and to bring a story or memory of Marilou as we gather to celebrate her life.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a favorite charity in Marilou’s memory.
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