Roger Everett Ellis

He was predeceased by his father, Gilbert Randall Ellis III, Cattaraugus, NY, a brother Norman Ellis, Little Valley, NY, a beloved stepdaughter, Melissa Chwala-Bell, Cattaraugus, a brother-in-law, Jeffrey Stuckey, Little Valley and his long-time brother and fishing buddy, Bob Webb, Salamanca.

He was a member of the Little Valley Central School Alumni, Class of ’76 but also cherished his membership as an Alumni of West Valley Central School. He spent most of his working years at Fitzpatrick & Weller Inc. in Ellicottville. He started as a young man and worked every position there before retiring in 2013 as a supervisor after 35 years of service.

Roger was a man who loved life and people. One of his favorite sayings was: “A stranger is just a friend you haven’t met yet!” and he lived by that. He had a wonderful sense of humor, always looking to make someone laugh. He was a true horse whisperer, having the gift for gentling and training racehorses, eventually earning his Silks for harness racing.

He was also an avid outdoorsman, whether it was fishing along the Allegheny River with his buddies or sharing his love of the outdoors with his daughter and grandson through hunting. His tales were more often true than not, his phone full of pictures of pike or his trophy buck (affectionately named ‘Samson’) as proof. Despite the tall tales, his time outside wasn’t simply about bringing home the largest thing in the forest or river. He was equally content to spend time in the woods, all for the simple love of the outdoors.

Roger had a more serious side. He was fiercely loyal to his family, friends, and anyone else who had earned his respect. He was also a gentleman, a kind and generous man who was loved by those who knew him. Family members have come forward with memories of his joy of golfing, tinkering with his metal detector, sharing his coin collection, and his love of woodworking far more than could be put to a single obituary. He will be greatly missed by all of his family and friends.

He is survived by his companion Colette Chwala Kolb of Gowanda and two daughters, Rebecca (Robert) Mustard, of Hamburg, NY and Hannah Peiz of Lake City, PA. He has 3 grandchildren, Takoda, Mauricio and Maya, and one great granddaughter.

He is the 6 th of 11 children born to Gilbert R. Ellis III and Christel B Ellis of Cattaraugus. He is survived by his mother, Christel B Ellis, siblings: Wallissa Heim, Little Valley; Pamela (Sparkie) Edwards, Waterford, PA; Gilbert Randall (Elaine) Ellis IV, Little Valley; Vincent Ellis, Cheyenne, WY; Melanie (Richard) Horning, Cattaraugus; Valerie Stuckey, Little Valley; Joseph (Angela) Ellis, Little Valley; Evangeline (Gary) Frentz, Little Valley; and David (Kim) Ellis, Salamanca. Also survived by 100+ nieces & nephews and great nieces & nephews.

Private arrangements have been made at Mentley’s Funeral Home, Gowanda.

A Memorial for Roger will be planned at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests for donations to be made to the Cattaraugus Ambulance or Gowanda Ambulance Service.

Online condolences may be made at www. mentleyfuneralhome.com.