Fred 'Papa' Anton Ellis, 63

Fred “Papa” Anton Ellis’ generosity is legendary. He gave to his family, he gave to his community and he gave to God. Fred passed away from COVID-19 on Sept. 23, 2021, in Kootenai Health hospital in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. He was 63 years old.

Fred was born Oct. 28, 1957, in Bremerton, Wash., to Jessie and Ada (Luke) Ellis, where his father worked at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. He was the youngest child and had two sisters, Ada and Alma. He grew up helping out on the family farm and playing on Katka Mountain in Bonners Ferry, Idaho. Fred knew his way around the woods in a way few people do from his upbringing and years working as a logger. When he wasn’t with his family, working or at church, he was hunting, fishing and camping.

Fred lost his mother in 1972 when he was 15 years old. He was the first to tell you he got a little wild after that. But then he met the love of his life, Jeanne Moore, who he married on June 17, 1981. Jeanne blessed Fred with six children he took on and raised as his own. Papa loved Jeanne and all his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren dearly.

Fred worked several jobs over the years including logging, construction and owning his own landscaping company. He lived and worked in Columbus, Mont., then Deer Park, Wash., Bonners Ferry, and lastly Post Falls, Idaho, where he took care of his father, Jessie, until he passed in 2010.

Papa was a hard, honest worker who gave everything he had to his big family. Sunday dinners at Nana and Papa’s house were a regular occurrence and their home was always filled with friends and family. He would often surprise Jeanne with flowers and was a devoted husband who loved her with all of his heart.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Jessie and Ada; his sister, Ada; his stepmother, Lela Ellis; his stepsister, Paula Fox; and his stepbrothers, Ralph Fox and Don Fox.

Fred is survived by his wife, Jeanne, and his sister, Alma Louise Midkif of Clinton, Mo. He is also survived by his sons, Robert Watson of Bremerton, Wash., Billy Watson of Gilbert, Ariz., Johnny Watson of Bremerton and Jeremiah Watson of Post Falls; as well as his daughters, Pamela Holmes of Allentown, Penn., and Linda Greene of Post Falls; son-in-law Tom Greene of Post Falls; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Family and friends are invited to sign Fred’s book at www.belltowerfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Bell Tower Funeral Home in Post Falls.

There will be a celebration of life service at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021, at 27769 West Highway 53, Hauser, Idaho. The property is owned by Norm and Tracy Waldo, who were fellow participants in a worldwide home-based Christian fellowship who have graciously offered to host the service.