Obituary
Ivan L. Ellingsworth passed away on Sunday, January 28, 2024 at his home in Ozark, Missouri.
His parents, Lefa and Jack Ellingsworth welcomed him into the world in Long Beach, California on March 12, 1943. The family moved back to Missouri shortly after his brother, Raymond was born in 1945. The family lived in Lebanon Missouri, Grandview, Iowa and finally settled in Springfield. Ivan adapted well to any environment and always made friends easily. He graduated from Parkview High School in 1961 and entered the Marine Corps Reserve that Summer. Some of his favorite stories are from his time in the Marines.
In 1963, Ivan married his high school sweetheart, Janice Fox. After graduating from Missouri State University, he entered the real estate profession. Ivan showed great success at real estate and received Springfield Salesman of the Year at the age of 26, the youngest person to earn that honor. He did much charitable work as a member of the Shrine for the March of Dimes. He was a happy man who loved his family and his work.
Ivan experienced success, but also great loss in his life. The deaths of his wife, his teenage son, his brother, his parents and many good friends caused him tremendous grief. He managed to find comfort through his love of nature and from those who understood him and loved him. He cherished time with his grandchildren and always had a twinkle in his eye and special smile when he was around them.
He is survived by his devoted daughter, Deborah and son-in-law, David Callahan; three grandchildren: Ryan, Marissa, and Lauren Callahan; one great grandchild, Evelyn Kramer: his sister Vicki and brother-in law Tod Ricketts; sister-in-law Pat Ellingsworth; one niece, Chanel Rickettes Faszholz (husband, Sam); three nephews: Mark Ellingsworth (wife, Bene); Eric Ellingsworth (wife, Penny), and Seth Snider.
The family would like to express deepest gratitude to his friend, Charles (Chuck) Bowers who called him daily and always lifted his spirits: a cousin, Sue Asher, who also called him and brought him cheer; Richard Brooks, a man that Ivan loved like a son. Richard was constant in his love and support; Calvin Graves and Theresa White for all their help and friendship; all the devoted staff of Phoenix Hospice for their commitment to compassionate, individualized care. The family is also grateful for all the calls and contacts from caring friends and relatives who shared many happy memories of Ivan.
A Celebration of Life will be from 1:00 - 2:00 P.M. Friday, February 2, 2024 at the Rivermonte Memorial Gardens Chapel: 4500 S. Lone Pine Ave, Springfield, MO 65804. Burial will follow in the Rivermonte Memorial Gardens Cemetery with Pastor Larry Ball Officiate.
Online condolences may be made at klingnerrfuneralhome.com.