Vell Ewell Washburn, 82, of Hiko, Nevada, left this earthly home February 3, 2025.He was born in Murray, Utah August 23, 1942 to James LaVar Washburn and Lois Ewell. He was the second of four children.

His childhood was spent having grand adventures wherever his father’s work took them. He recalled living in a circus tent in the midwest, playing ice hockey on frozen ponds in Canada, riding horses through Draper Canyon and racing hot rods in the streets of Sandy, Utah. Vell had a love for adventure and life that was unmatched. He was a master storyteller, often telling stories that left us mesmerised (and wondering what parts were true.)

In 1963, Vell married Betty Fowler in Salt Lake City, Utah. They were blessed with two sons, Eric Vell and Mark John. They later divorced.

Vell met EllaMae (Bobbie) Savage in 1965 in Paradise, California. As he told it, they met at a bar where she liked to go to dance and he was a bouncer. It took him quite some time to convince her to give him a chance, but he is said to have won over her children, Arthur Dean and Sherry Lin, first and she had to come along. They were married October 20, 1969 in Virginia City, Nevada. Their family was sealed for Time and All Eternity May 5, 1972 in the Salt Lake City, Utah Temple. They were blessed with two additional children, Robert Jay and Tara Lee.

Vell had a variety of interesting jobs throughout his life, including building tunnels for the California Water Project. In 1967, a tunnel collapsed on him and he spent 2 years in the hospital working to recover. He built swimming pools, was a bellman at the Sahara hotel in Lake Tahoe, owned a pet store, and in the end found his passion working in correctional facilities. After working in a number of prisons, he was moved to Pioche, Nevada where he opened and operated the Honor Camp until his retirement in 1995.

Vell was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. For five years before Bobbie passed, they loved working together in the Las Vegas, Nevada temple as ordinance workers. He said that time was one of the highlights of his life. He also served his community as a member of the FreeMasons Fraternity.

Vell was known as “Papa” to his grandchildren and “Donkey Bell” to his many nieces and nephews. He loved each member of his family dearly. He will always be remembered for his contagious smile, the twinkle in his eye, and the way everyone was ‘Papa’s favorite’. We’ll always imagine hearing him say “I am so proud of you” one more time. We couldn’t have asked for a better Dad, Brother, Papa, Uncle, or Friend and we will miss him every day. His memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him.

He is survived by his children: Art (Barbara) Washburn, Eric (Simone) Washburn, Sherry (Philip) Spencer, Robert (Gloria) Washburn, and Tara Washburn; nine grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and his sisters, Sharene (Brent) Bennion and Launa (Don) Bryner.

Vell was preceded in death by his parents, James LaVar Washburn and Lois Ewell; his wife EllaMae (Bobbie) Washburn; his son Mark John Washburn; granddaughter Tiffany Marie Spencer; his brother Jimmy (Sharon) Washburn, and great-granddaughter Jeanette Webster-Faria.

A Visitation was held Monday, February 17, 2025 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Alamo Chapel. A graveside service was held at the Pioche, NV City Cemetery.

The family invites you to leave a message or memory in their guest book at www.moapavalleymortuary.com.