Cpl. Jessica Ann Ellis, a combat medic in the U.S. Army, was killed in action in Iraq on May 11, 2008.
Her funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at St. Francis de Sales Cathedral, First and Church streets. Bishop Thomas J. Connelly of the Cathedral will officiate. Full military honors will follow the Mass. Inurnment will be at Arlington National Cemetery.
Jessica Ellis was born on June 26, 1983, at Burley, Idaho. She was a 2002 Lakeview High School graduate. She was active in cross country, track and field, and the swim team. After graduation she attended Central Oregon Community College at Bend for two years and worked for three summers as a Forest Service firefighter on the Fremont-Winema National Forest before joining the U.S. Army in 2004.
She served in the 2nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) on her second tour of duty.
During her military career, she earned these awards and decorations: Bronze Star Medal (posthumous); Purple Heart (posthumous); Army Commendation Medal; Army Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Iraq Campaign Medal; Meritorious Unit Citation; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon; Combat Medical Badge; Combat Action Badge, Posthumous; and Weapons Qualifications, M4, expert.
Jessica is remembered by her family and friends as an extraordinarily positive person who was selfless and caring of everyone.
Survivors include her parents, Steve and Linda; her brother, Cameron, and his wife, Irena; and her sister, Amanda.
She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Robert Poder.
A memorial fund in honor of Jessica Ellis has been established at Fisher House Foundation, 1401 Rockville Pike, Suite 600, Rockville, MD 20852. Information regarding Fisher House Foundation and online donations may be found at www.fisherhouse.org. Memorial contributions in her name may also be made through Coles Funeral Home, 1950 Place St., Baker City, OR 97814.
Used with permission from: Baker City Herald, Baker City, Oregon, May 20, 2008
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor