Gary Walter Ellett

Gary Walter Ellett 12/08/1941 – 04/24/2026

Gary Walter Ellett was born on December 8, 1941, the day after Pearl Harbor—a moment in history President Franklin D. Roosevelt called “a date which will live in infamy.” For Gary, it was the perfect day to make his entrance into the world at Kings Daughters Hospital.

Gary grew up on Evelyn Street in Perry, just a block from Lincoln Elementary School. He spent his childhood playing with neighborhood friends—many of whom remained lifelong companions—and climbing the neighbors’ apple trees to enjoy tart green apples.

He attended Perry High School, graduating with the class of 1960. During high school, Gary worked alongside his father, Buck, assisting with electrical work for Ellett’s Electric. Digging trenches, crawling through hot attics, and braving frozen barns convinced him that a career in pharmacy might be a better path. With encouragement from friends and family, Gary chose his vocation and, after graduating high school, went on to attend Drake University.

Gary cherished many fond memories of growing up in Perry, but his most treasured was asking his classmate, Judy Shearer, out on a date—a decision that began 57 years of love. They married on December 20, 1964, and Gary carried that love in his heart until his final day.

After graduating from Drake in 1965, Gary worked briefly at the Veterans Hospital in Des Moines before completing his internship and later working at Holcomb’s Pharmacy in Perry under Don and Lloyd Holcomb, who became close friends.

In 1970, Gary became the managing pharmacist at Denison Drug in Denison, Iowa. In 1978, he began working at Woodward State Hospital School, where he remained until his retirement in 2014 as Pharmacy Supervisor. In 1981, Gary founded Pharmacy Investment Corporation and owned three pharmacies in Woodward, Van Meter, and Grimes, closing the last store in Woodward in 2000.

During retirement, Gary kept busy with the many “honey-do” projects Judy had saved for him. He enjoyed remodeling the family home, tending the yard, spending time with Judy, and playing with his grandchildren. He loved life, cherished time with friends and family, and appreciated a good breakfast at a local café. His kindness, laughter, and sense of humor will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Clive F. “Buck” Ellett and Veva M. (Tolle) Ellett; his sister, Peggy Karen (in infancy); his beloved wife, Judith M. (Shearer) Ellett; and brothers-in-law, Larry Houseman and Harlan DenBeste.

He is survived by his sister, Margaret Den Beste; his son, Scott (Renelyn); his daughter, Stacie Sanborn (Jen); granddaughter, Dakota Ellett (Jacob); grandson, Colton Sanborn (Julia); great-granddaughters, Lily and Luna; niece, Lisa Willis; nephew, Mark Houseman; aunt, Joanne Blankenfeld; and many cousins and friends.

A visitation will be held on May 2, 2026, at 9:00 AM at the First United Methodist Church in Perry, Iowa. Funeral services will follow at 10:00 AM at the church, with burial at Violet Hill Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to a fund established in Gary’s name.