Roy A. Ellis, Jr.

Roy A. Ellis, Jr., of Millersburg, Oregon, passed away on April 19, 2026, at the age of 84. Born on May 29, 1941, in Portland, Oregon, Roy was the first of three children born to Roy A. and Mary L. (Berry) Ellis. He was raised in Salem, where he graduated from South Salem High School, beginning a life marked by dedication, curiosity, and a deep appreciation for both hard work and adventure.

On November 23, 1963, Roy married the love of his life, Kristell A. Tomjack, in La Grande, Oregon. Together they built a life in Albany, where they raised their two daughters, Michelle and Natalie. Roy was a steady, devoted presence for his family, and took pride in the life they created together.

Roy began his career in the railroad industry at just 18 years old with the Spokane, Portland & Seattle Railway (SP&S). Over the course of 42 years, he built a respected career working with Burlington Northern and ultimately retiring from Amtrak as a conductor on January 1, 2002. The railroad wasn't just a job — it was a defining part of his life, shaping his work ethic and love of travel.

That love of travel truly took off in 1970 when Roy purchased his first travel trailer. After retirement, he and Kriss spent 12 years traveling full-time across the United States, embracing the open road and the freedom it brought. Eventually, they settled in Millersburg, Oregon, where Roy remained active in his community.

A proud and dedicated member of the Albany Elks (#359), Roy served as Exalted Ruler twice — first in 1985–1986 and again in 2019–2020 — reflecting both his leadership and his lasting commitment to the organization and its values.

Roy had a lifelong love of baseball and made many memorable trips to Arizona to watch the Diamondbacks, as well as a special journey to New York City to see the Yankees play. Whether at the ballpark or on the road, he found joy in the experiences he could share with others.

He leaves behind his beloved wife of 62 years, Kriss, who stood by his side with unwavering love. He is also survived by his daughters, Michelle and Natalie, and Natalie’s husband, Kim Fox; his sister, Eva, and her husband, Del Anderson; and his granddaughters, Ashley Speeks and Andrea Stutzman, along with their husbands, Michael Speeks and Skyler Stutzman. He took special joy in his great-grandchildren—Lucius and Theodore Speeks and Brooklynn and Braxton Stutzman—whose laughter and milestones meant the world to him.

"Roy will be remembered for his steady presence, his sense of adventure, and the many miles — both on the rails and on the road — that shaped a life well lived. His story lives on in the family he loved, the friendships he built, and the journeys he inspired."

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Roy's memory with a donation to:

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105

Service Details

Date: Friday, May 29, 2026

Time: Rosary 10:30am with Mass to follow at 11:00am

Location: St Mary’s Catholic Church

822 Ellsworth SW, Albany, Oregon 97321

Reception to follow