Rudolph Hans Ellingford passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 18, at home in Yuma, Arizona. Rudy was born in Evanston on July 12, 1936, to Elmo and Mary Ellingford. He graduated from Evanston High School in 1955. After graduation, Rudy enlisted in the Army and was stationed in Stuttgart, Germany.
Rudy’s legacy included growing Ellingford Bros. into a strong community business. He had a passion for construction, business, remodeling projects, flying his own personal plane, and spending time with family. His numerous hobbies included woodworking, snowmobiling, boating, golfing, model airplanes and staying busy helping anyone and everyone complete projects wherever he went.
Rudy was a leader in the ways that he shared his ingenuity and passion for working with his hands, completing projects and always helping others. He took pride in doing every job right (often not stopping until perfection was achieved and quietly suggesting you did it “his” way).
His interest in business led him to partner on several ventures that included El Day Construction and Villa Alameda RV Resort in Yuma, Arizona. Rudy was proud to be a member of the First National Bank Board for decades and relished every opportunity to support our community. Rudy also had a knack for catching friends and family off guard with perfectly timed jokes. Birthday phone calls were his signature trademark.
He lived his life with the motto of “Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life”... the truth is that he loved “working” every day of his life, even until the very end. For those who love and know him, the memories and lessons are numerous. His lasting legacy will be of honesty, integrity, hard work, dedication, perseverance and deep love for his roles as husband, father and grandfather.
Rudy courted Irene Kay Barnes, during their high school years; they were later married on June 12, 1956, in Evanston. Together, Rudy and Kay traveled the state of Wyoming, constructing various bridges, roadways, construction projects while raising a family. Upon returning to Evanston, they worked tirelessly to build Ellingford Bros.
Rudy and Kay had four children who were the light of their life: Kirk, Kim, Debbie and Clay. They both took pride in their work within the community. After 39 years of marriage, Kay passed away. Rudy and Kay were blessed with 13 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.
Later, Rudy married Ginger Hutchings Lym, on Sept. 1, 1995. They were married 24 years. This marriage extended his family to include four children: Kandi, Rusty, Dusty and Toni, as well as eight grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and a granddog. Together, they traveled to their “winter home” in Yuma, Arizona, and back to Evanston.
Rudy is survived by his wife, Ginger Ellingford; children, Kirk (Laurie) Ellingford, Clay (Lisa) Ellingford and Debbie Messer; He is also, survived by Ginger’s children, Kandi Rosales, Dusty Lym, Rusty (Trudy) Lym and Toni (David) Albrecht; 21 grandchildren; and 32 great-grandchildren.
Rudy was preceded in death by his wife, Irene Kay Ellingford; daughter, Kim Marie Ellingford; brother, Dan Ellingford; mother, Mary Wayman Ellingford; and father, Elmo Ellingford.
A private service is planned for Monday, April 27, for immediate family only, due to safety precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. A private interment will follow immediately at the Evanston City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to an Evanston community charity in his name. Online condolences may be given at www.crandallfhevanston.com.
