Barbara Joan Ely passed away in her home on March 12th 2024. She was born at Washoe Medical Center in Reno on January 29th1960 to Jim Ely and Ruth Baker-Ely. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, her father James Nathan Ely (2011) and older Brother James Robert Ely (2015).
Barbara began elementary school at Florence Drake and later attended Kate Smith, graduating from Sparks High in 1978. She was very involved in her academic life as a member of many clubs. Barbara was a lifelong Sparks resident and loved being part of the community. She was a dedicated employee for the State of Nevada working for the business school at UNR and eventually retiring from Aging and Disability Services in 2012.
Barbara is survived by the love of her life and soulmate, husband David Miller who she married in 2014. Her two beautiful daughters Aleah Wetherill and Rikki Melanaphy (Shawn Melanaphy), as well as her mother Ruth Baker-Ely, sister Cathy Ely, brother Dennis Ely (Lisa Ely) five grandchildren Nikoli (17), Donovan (15), Hunter (5), Blake (4) and Quinn (3). (She loved being a grandma) and many nieces and nephews. Barbara will be unbelievably missed by all.
A memorial service will be held at American legion hall 730 Fourth St. Sparks, NV. 89431 on Thursday April 4th, 2024 at 4 p.m.
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