Charles Russell Ellis Jr

Charles “Russell” Ellis, 102, passed away on Saturday, November 23, 2024, in Sacramento, California. Russ was born in Dayton, Ohio, the first of two children to Charles Russell Sr. and Viola Ellis. His wife of 61 years, Birgitta, followed him in passing soon after (December 16). Russ was preceded in death by his brother Richard Ellis and sister-in-law Shirley. He is survived by his children, Carol Lovvorn (Bill), Kim Macaluso, Cheryl Shulse (Eric), Chris Ellis (Jennie) and Gregg Ellis (Michelle), and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews both in the US and in Sweden.

Following Russ’s youth in Dayton, his family moved to Atlanta, Georgia for his teen years, where he enjoyed music in the marching band and became an Eagle Scout. He then moved with his family to California where they purchased a clothing store in Sacramento, the Boys Store, and later College Hi Shops.

Russ joined the US Navy during World War II and attended Midshipmen School at Columbia University and the University of California Los Angeles before active service in the Pacific through the end of the war. His tour included Hawaii, Shanghai, multiple islands in the Pacific, and time on the USS Eaton and USS Cony.

Russ met his wife, Birgitta, at Echo Lake, California while building what would become the family’s cherished cabin. Birgitta was working as a private physical therapist for the children of a family in a neighboring cabin.

Following his work at the family’s College Hi Shops and a variety of other pursuits, Russ spent most of his career as a small business owner, becoming a computer programmer at a time when computers were just emerging as a viable business tool. Russ and Birgitta resided in the Woodlake neighborhood for a majority of their marriage and enjoyed cooling off at the Woodlake Swim Club. He carried his independent spirit through to his final days, enjoying lake swims and mountain walks until quite recently. Russ celebrated his 102nd birthday surrounded by family a week before he passed.

Our family would like to thank Lupe Robbins for the kind care she provided Russ over the last several years.