Roger L. Ellyas
March 23, 1939 ~ November 22, 2020
Born in:
Rye, Colorado
Resided in:
Pueblo, Colorado
Roger Ellyas, 81, passed away peacefully on Nov. 22, 2020, surrounded by family after a brief bout with cancer. He will be greatly missed. Survived by wife of 60 years, Jean; daughter Karen (Mike) Medina; granddaughters, Chelsea (Matt) Martinez and Kristen Davis (fiancé Eric Martinez); sister, Shirley Wyatt; nieces, their spouses and children.
Preceded in death by daughter, Connie Jean Davis; parents, Louie and Hazel Ellyas; brother, Carl Ellyas; and in-laws, Henry and Jean Devoley. Roger was born in Rye, Colo. on March 23, 1939, and graduated from Pueblo County High School. He became a barber where he put himself through college to become a PE teacher. He taught at Minnequa Elementary for 30 years. “Coach Ellyas” is still remembered fondly by many students to this day. Granddaughters, Chelsea and Kristen remembered that grandpa’s version of a shortcut was really a scenic route that was always enjoyed by all, and that his witty and sometimes corny humor always kept a smile on their faces. Roger could build, fix and jerry-rig anything. In earlier years he loved to fish and, of course, always loved his sports, enjoyed cruises and traveling, and took great pride in his lawn.
At his request there will be no viewing, there will be cremation, no services, and no photo for the obit. Online condolences, www.montgomerysteward.com
My condolences to to the family of Mr. Ellyas. He was my coach at Minnequa back in the 80s. Me and my family will always remember his funny Halloween costume where he would dress as a graduate with cap and gown and halfway through the parade he would sneak away to put on a giant slinky. He thought he fooled us, but we always knew it was him! Great memories, we all loved him!
My deepest condolences and loving thoughts go out to this family. Though I went to LakeView Elementary, we often interacted with Minnequa Elementary, so I remember Coach from way back then! He was an impressive figure to all of us kids. When Karen started at Central, it was fun knowing that he was her dad and I got to see him again a few times. I pray that all of you are comforted in knowing he was a good man, great teacher and left his mark on many, many people for generations that are and are yet to come.
Roger did indeed have creative “shortcuts”, loved to cut his lawn and take care of Jean’s roses and tinker around the house. I have fond memories of long car rides to take me fishing or at night, swimming during the day, or to the city to see the sights, Mile High Stadium and of course, Casa Bonita (when I was a little kid). I will miss Roger’s small and silly humor. He was really a great uncle and a great person and my life is richer to have known him and carry him in my heart. God bless you Jean, Karen, Chelsea and Kristen. May you find peace, now that he is at rest.
Jean, I am so sorry to hear about Roger. He was such a nice person. Take care and God Bless. Jim and Debbie Cozzolino
Stan and Charlene Gardner. Roger will always be remembered as a dear friend that could make a room light up with his humor and love.