Samuel "Sam" L. Ellwood

Samuel L. “Sam” Ellwood, 88 years of age, of Peoria, Arizona and formerly of Macomb, Illinois passed away February 17, 2017 at his home. He was born on December 27, 1928 in Beatrice to Samuel and Ines (Mittan) Ellwood. Sam graduated from Beatrice High School in 1945. On May 14, 1948, Sam married the love of his life, Lenora “Lee” Constable in Beatrice. She passed away on November 14, 2002. Sam married Lorene Ellwood on October 3, 2003. He served his country in the Marine Corps from June 10, 1946 to January 20 1948 and enjoyed talking about his boxing experience while he was deployed. After returning, Sam worked at Hageman Furniture in Macomb, Illinois where he was a carpet installer and furniture salesman for many years, until he and his wife moved to Arizona. He was a Past Exalted Ruler and member of the Elks Club in Macomb, Illinois. He was also a member of the First Christian Church in Macomb, Illinois and the Sun City Christian Church in Sun City, Arizona. Sam enjoyed watching John Wayne movies football, riding horses, making jewelry, playing dice games, golfing, living life to the fullest and most of all being with his family.

Sam is survived by his wife, Lorene of Peoria, Arizona; daughter, Connie Rice of Las Vegas, Nevada;  4 grandchildren, Nathan Rebman and wife Courtney of Macomb, Illinois, Brent Wilson and wife Kristin of Las Vegas, Nevada, Corina Hathaway and husband, Jason of Mulberry, Florida, Noell Coulter and husband Tim of Cuba, Illinois;  7 great grandchildren; and 10 step great grandchildren. He is also survived by 4 step-children: Dan Beyette, Bill Beyette, Cathy Campanaro and Richard Beyette and their families.  He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Lenora “Lee” on November 14, 2002; daughter, Roxie Rebman; and sisters, Dorothy Reinwald and Sherri Widick. 

A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, July 21st, 2017 at the First Christian Church in Beatrice with Rev. Dr. John Duling officiating. Inurnment will follow in the Evergreen Home Cemetery in Beatrice. Memorials are suggested to the National Kidney Foundation in care of the mortuary. Harman-Wright Mortuary in Beatrice in charge of arrangements.

 Service Information