John Edward

John Edward Ellis passed away April 2, 2022, with Barbara, his wife of 55 years at his side. He was born in San Francisco on Dec. 30, 1941, graduated the Lowell High School Class of 1960, and received his B.S. in Chemistry at San Jose State. John completed his Ph. D. in Chemistry at U.C. Berkeley in 1971 under the guidance of Clayton Heathcock and did postdoctoral research at Caltech and Syntex. Dr. Ellis went on to challenge and enlighten high school and college chemistry students for nearly 4 decades. John’s love for chemistry was undeniable, as his students of 35+ years of teaching came to appreciate.

Outside the classroom, John split his time between pro-choice activism, football fanhood, bridge and poker. He loved games but he was dead serious about protecting women’s access to health care, including abortion. He campaigned, tabled, registered voters, protested and protected women’s rights, always with his own personal sense of humor on display, and always at his wife’s side. Upon retiring to Sonoma County in 2013, he expanded his game time. Years of backgammon, chess, poker and bridge established him as a fierce competitor, eager gamesman and disgruntled loser. On those rare instances where he came in second in games, he would say, “Show me a good loser and I’ll show you a loser.” He was not a good loser! He is remembered as a fierce competitor, loyal friend, strong-willed, sharp, opinionated debater, as well as a funny and entertaining, one-of-a-kind legend, and a loving husband. He is already missed.

John leaves behind his wife, Barbara Batten Ellis of Occidental, Ca, daughter Susan R. Gray (John) and granddaughter Lhasa Gray of Sebastopol, Ca and stepdaughter Sheri Donfried (Andy) of Timberon, NM, her family and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Eleanor Ellis, and his stepson, Joseph P. Silva III. Many thanks to caregivers Vanessa, Chris and Jen. In lieu of flowers you may donate to Memorial Hospice, www.sonomacountyhospice. org, in John’s name. In democracy’s name, please do everything you can to defeat tRump’s GOP and anyone associated with the January 6, 2021 insurrection.