ELLISON, Frank Russell (Ike)

Mohave Valley Daily News, Mohave Valley, AZ - Published in Mohave Daily News Online from June 1 to June 8, 2014 - Frank Russell "Ike" Ellison passed away after a long illness on Tuesday, May 27, 2014. He departed quietly, from his home of 20 years in Topock, Arizona, with his beloved wife, Jo Ann, at his side. He was much loved, and will be greatly missed. Frank, known as "Ike" to friends and family, was born on December 5, 1926 in Chicago, Illinois, the third of five children born to Abram F. and Christine M. Ellison. He grew up in Glen Ellen, Illinois, where he had what he called a storybook childhood. In high school, he played several sports and was considered something of an athletic star. ~Ike attended New Mexico Highlands University where he obtained a B.A. in Psychology in 1952 and was listed in Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges based on his high academic standing as well as his outstanding achievement in extracurricular activities including: President, Junior Class; President, Kappa Sigma Kappa fraternity (most chapters merged into Theta Xi in 1962); President, Inter-Fraternity Council; President, Psi Chi (National Psychology Honor Fraternity); National Delegate, American Psychology Association; Gold Captain, Varsity Football Team; All Conference Track Team; Sports Editor, and The Southwest Wind (Yearbook). The intelligence with which Ike was blessed and the wide-ranging interests he enjoyed led him to experience an eclectic career history as a businessman and entrepreneur. That history included ownership of a water treatment plant in Chicago and of a mobile home park in Clearlake Oaks, Calif. He was avidly interested in mining, particularly in gold mining, but also in the technical and economic aspects of the mining industry in general. He collected antique mining equipment and artifacts, which filled his home and yard. He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Bob Ellison; and sister, Ethel Ellison Sutherland. Ike is survived by his wife, Jo Ann Salamone Ellison; children from his first wife, Judith Baier Ellison, Scott E. Ellison of Scottsdale, Ariz., Kyle M. Feder of Rocklin, Calif., and Brooks Ellison of El Dorado Hills, Calif.; two grandchildren, Delaney and Jordan; sister, Patricia Scott of Weldon, Calif.; brother, Richard Ellison of Grand Junction, Colo.; step- daughter, Kathleen and grandson, Christopher of Lake Havasu City, Ariz. Ike's passing will be marked at a private memorial service.