Obituary of Harlean Kay Ellis

Harlean Kay Ellis passed away peacefully in her sleep on September 3rd, 2023, in Lincoln, California, just shy of her 86th birthday.

Harlean Kay Leffew was born September 7th, 1937, in Lompoc, California. Harlean was a long-time resident of Visalia, where she supported her husband, Lloyd M. Ellis, running a successful insurance company that merged into Buckman Mitchell of Visalia. Harlean then retired with her husband Lloyd and moved to Sun City Lincoln Hills for over twenty years until Lloyd preceded her in death on July 29, 2022.

Harlean grew up in Pixley, California, and graduated from Delano High School. After marrying the love of her life, Lloyd M. Ellis, on August 19, 1972, they united as a family with their four children, that they nurtured and grew to include 7 grandchildren & 13 great-grandchildren.  Lloyd and Harlean would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on August 19th, 2022, just days after Lloyd preceded her in death. Harlean dedicated her life to supporting her husband in his insurance business and was a committed member of First Baptist Church (now Gateway) of Visalia. While supporting her husband, Harlean provided a nurturing traditional home life that was safe, secure, and loving for all her family members. Harlean made every holiday, such as Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, the most memorable and special experience for all parties included and made each feel special seeing to every detail and tradition of the occasion. Throughout Harlean’s life, she became a real estate agent, obtained her pilot’s license, was committed to her church and bible studies within her community, and spent many hours washing and setting hair for local retirement home residents that were unable to attend appointments.

Harlean was preceded in death by her husband Lloyd M Ellis, and by her sister Janette Burton. She is survived by daughter Deborah Lynn Murphy (Visalia, CA), son Kevin Michael Triplett (Lincoln, CA), daughter Kimberly Rae Ellis (Fresno, CA), daughter Kelly Anne Forney (Moscow, ID), grandchildren  Michael Murphy (Jonelle, Visalia, CA), Macaela Laura Harlean Adams (Anthony, Visalia, CA), Bryce Triplett (Dylan and Cyrus, Galt, CA), and Blake Triplett (Galt, CA), Dustin Forney (Sara, Antelope, CA), Jenna Sarr (Matt, Moscow, ID), Davis Forney (Nashville, TN), and great-grandchildren Colton and Kade Murphy, Laura Adams, Elaine Sierra, Rowan Harlean Triplett, Carter and Caden Forney, Paige, Jude, Quinn, and Jack Sarr, and Jasey Rae Forney.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Harlean’s son’s home located at 1572 Summerhill Lane, Lincoln, Californa on Sunday, September 24, 2023 from 10:00 am until 1:00 pm.