Hello again Friends! 

 It’s been 6 months (today!) since the Lord called John home.  Thank you for your patience while we try to get our feet back under us.  Here’s an update on our family happenings.

First, this day began with the news that John was the recipient of the Industry Strength Award!  Apparently, at the PNSAA Conference , Jim (Dad Ellis) was asked to accept the award on John’s behalf----to a standing applause!  Jim was the first recipient of the award, and John is the 16^th.  They are the first Father/Son to receive it!  His legacy continues!  I am grateful for this honor for him!

We miss him every day!  Grieving is hard work.  But God is with us every step of the way, and we are indeed blessed!  There is so much to be thankful for!  Here are just a few…

John provided well for us while he was living, and continues to do so.  I am able to continue to be a full time Mom, which was his wishes, so I can better ride out the “earthquake” with the kids. So grateful for God’s provision through John!  I am thankful every day for this gift!

We were also blessed with our three children!  They continue to be a source of joy----so grateful the Lord gave us kids, these kids!!  They continue to keep me busy as I try and keep up with their activities. 

The last month, for instance, has been a hectic one!  Jessica fractured her nose as the softball season began, losing the ball in the sun.  I had minor surgery, followed by Laura’s chicken pox!  Spring break was just what we needed, a” STAYcation”, allowing me to recover as a took care of Laura’s “Polk-a-dots”!  Then Jessica broke her ankle stealing second base!  (Fibula fractured in 2 places, sprained ankle, & sprained high ankle!) She was safe AND her substitute runner got her home! So, we have the first cast in our home.  Nathan just got his drivers license!  Yeah!  Another driver!  So thankful to be widowed with kids still at home!

I have been given some good books on grieving and I will finish up Grief Share next week.  As hard as this process is, I am thankful for the journey.  It wouldn’t be hard if we didn’t love him so much! We were blessed with the gift of time and there are no regrets! And we have a large circle of family and friends walking this with us! So thankful for ALL of you!! Family & Friends, Northview Bible Church and Stehekin Community, Teachers and Coaches, Neighbors----we are so grateful for each of you! 

And John has loved on us from the other side of heaven!  First was a Christmas Gift that now hangs over our fireplace.  A scene of the ocean on the Oregon Coast, called “Days End”.  The attached card read “to remind us of the 2 great anniversaries we celebrated and all the family vacations we took there”. The kids received their notes of encouragement while in Stehekin, bringing in the New Year.   I was given a love letter, entrusted to Jessica, on what would have been our 21^st wedding anniversary. And just recently, the kids (for the first time) received separate birthday cards from their parents.

The kids and I are doing well, considering!  We have much laughter and enjoy each other more and more!  So thankful for our Savior and the Hope of heaven!  

Our hope is increasing, indeed!

Thank you from Bernice

Words cannot express what is in our hearts----The children and I are very grateful for the outpouring of love since John's Home going! From those who came to his Life Celebration, or celebrated watching it on the internet; those who set up, served, or brought food to the Celebration; the outpouring of cards, flowers, and food to our home and the many other thoughtful gestures that we are not even aware of.... Thank you from the depths of our hearts!

As Jerry had said, John was a humble man and would have been embarassed by the "packed house" service-----but for his wife and children, it was a "cloud of witnesses" that testify to the many lives John's life impacted! We have begun to see the alpine tree decals showing up around town... how that blesses us! It not only honors John, but serves as a reminder to keep looking up!

Many ask how we are doing. That is a difficult question to answer! Our hope is increasing indeed!! However, it starts with the basic steps. Some days, I just have to remember to breathe! This was John's busy travel season, so in the blessed "numbing" that God sends at a time like this, to the kids and I, it just feels that he is on a business trip. However, he hasn't been calling home as he had always done..... and as that reality sets in for us in the weeks to come, we covet your prayers! For now, the real adventure begins!

Thank You

The Ellis would like to express their gratitude to all that have come around them during this time. They have appreciated all of the help, company, food, love, support and encouragement that you all have been giving.

If you are unable to attend John's service, but would like to watch it on the internet, it will be streamed live. You can go to www.nbcspokane.org and clink the link to watch the service live. The service will be on Saturday, November 5th, at 10:30 a.m. Pacific Standard Time.

ELLIS, John Charles, 44, went home to be with his Lord on October 25, 2011. He passed away at his home in Spokane, Washington, surrounded by family and friends. He did not lose his battle to cancer - he won the battle to live. He was focused on God, and that testimony has been an inspiration to many.

John was born February 28, 1967 in Spokane to James and Roberta Ellis. He lived his entire life in Spokane, graduating from Mead High School and Gonzaga University, and he spent his career as a Professional Engineer with Aerial Engineering. John married Bernice Hoener, and they have three children - Jessica, Nathan, and Laura. John loved the outdoors and enjoyed spending time with his family snow skiing, hiking, kayaking, woodworking, camping, and riding his motorcycle. John was not just a husband - he was Bernice's best friend. He was not just a father - he was an incredible and devoted Dad to the very end, and he had a great laugh. John was an active member of Northview Bible Church, serving faithfully as a deacon for many years.

John is survived by his wife, Bernice, children, Jessica, Nathan, and Laura; parents, James and Roberta Ellis, of Spokane; sister, Karen May of Spokane; and numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins. He was loved by all, and he will be missed by all. A memorial fund for John's children has been established at the Spokane Teachers Credit Union.

The family invites you to celebrate John's life at a memorial service on Saturday, November 5 at 10:30 am at Northview Bible Church at 13521 North Mill Road, Spokane.

John passed away last night at 10:30 surrounded by family and friends. We are thankful he is now resting in the arms of his Heavenly Father. John did not lose his battle to cancer, he won the battle to live! His Celebration of Life service will be at Northview Bible Church on Saturday, November 5th, at 10:30am.

John saved all his strength this past week so that he could watch Nathan race in the Cross Country JV Championships on Saturday.

John's health has been declining rapidly over the past several days. He's lost much of his muscle strength, and he has been content to sleep and stay in bed. Even in these days, it has been wonderful to reconnect with high school and college friends!