Richard (Dick) Ellingson

Born November 30, 1933, in Port Angeles, WA, he died at Life Care Center of South Hill July 20, 2025.

Richard was raised in Tacoma where he attended Lincoln High School. After serving 2 years in the navy during the Korean War, he became reacquainted with his former classmate, Helen Jeter, whom he married in 1956. After receiving his undergraduate degree from Pacific Lutheran University, he completed his studies at the University of Washington School of Dentistry. He then established a dental practice in Parkland and served his community through church and diverse community projects. Richard was a charter member of the Parkland-Spanaway Rotary Club and a member of the Washington State Dental Association. Richard and Helen were members at Trinity Lutheran Church in Parkland, afterward attending Our Savior Lutheran Church, and most recently, Puyallup Community Baptist Church.

Richard was born with a humble nature, had an inquisitive disposition, was faith- and community-minded, and loved his family tremendously.

He is survived by his wife, Helen Ellingson, of Puyallup; his children, Mark (Autumn) Ellingson, Joan (Rob) Dingman, Elizabeth (Neil) Wills, Amy (Jan Martin) Nielsen; his grandchildren, Andrew (Bridget) Ellingson, Lauren (Stephen) Haithcox, Holly (André) de Haan, Katie Dingman, Finnoula and Hattie Wills, Jan Olin, Hazel, and Selden Nielsen; great-grandchildren, Andi Mae Christie, Ingrid Ellingson, and Lucy de Haan; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank Life Care Center of South Hill for their compassionate care and attention during his final month of life.

In lieu of flowers, we request memorial contributions be sent to St. Jude Children's Hospital at stjude.org.

A memorial service with reception following will be held at 2:00pm Saturday, August 2, 2025 at Puyallup Community Baptist Church

Puyallup Community Baptist Church: 1318 Ninth Ave SW, Puyallup, WA 98371