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In honor of

Lenella "Len" Mariann Chellis

Seattle, WA

Born: 1932 (not yet passed)

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Len Chellis (1932 – 2024) Age 92

Our beloved mother, Lenella Mariann Chellis, was born in February 1932, in Oregon City, Oregon to parents Elmer and Inez. She passed away peacefully in December 2024, only 2 months shy of her 93rd birthday.

While attending Walla Walla College, Lenella met Allen Chellis, who became her devoted husband of 54 years. Together, they raised two children, Gene and Kari. After Allen’s passing, Lenella found companionship once more with Mace Gay, a longtime family friend. They shared more than 13 years of marriage and mutual support.

Lenella, or “Len” as she liked to be called, was a kind and caring soul who devoted her life to nurturing and supporting others, always putting the needs of her family before her own. She began her career as an elementary school teacher and later served as a receptionist in both the Seattle Junior Academy church school and dental offices. Her professional roles reflected her warmth and genuine care for those around her.

Her faith was the cornerstone of her life. Len was deeply committed to God, her family, friends, and her church community. In her later years, she found joy in offering comfort to a vast network of friends and church members who became “family” through regular phone calls—a testament to her boundless compassion and empathy.

Lenella is survived by her husband Mace; her children Gene and Kari; granddaughters Aubrie and Svetlana; and great-grandsons Dominic and Julian.

A Celebration of Life will be held on March 23, 2025, at Highland Seventh-day Adventist Church, located at 21650 24th Ave S., Des Moines, WA 98198.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lenella’s memory to the UW Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center or the Walla Walla University School of Engineering.

Her ashes will be interred next to Allen’s at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, Washington. A community-oriented online memorial website can be found at at https://everloved.com/life-of… . Please feel free to contribute your memories, thoughts and photos.

Lenella’s legacy of love and faith will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her. May her memory bring peace and comfort to those who mourn her passing.

“Mom, you will forever be in our hearts. Life is not forever, but love is.

Rest in God’s blessed peace, waiting for the day when Jesus comes to reunite us all.”