Ellen Elizabeth Garver

Ellen Elizabeth Hornsby Garver

April 24, 1953 – June 10, 2026

With tender hearts, we honor the life of Ellen Elizabeth Hornsby Garver, who passed away peacefully on June 10, 2026, at the age of 73.

Ellen was born on April 24, 1953, to Arvie Othele Jackson and Ernest Eugene Hornsby. She was a strong and independent woman with a gentle, compassionate spirit. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, which reflected her natural desire to care for others. She especially showed that love and devotion in the way she cared for her parents toward the end of their lives.

Ellen found joy in simple things, especially gardening. She loved working with her plants and flowers and was known for having a green thumb.

She also had a deep love for her country. Ellen was proud of her family’s generations of military service, including her father’s service in the Coast Guard, her paternal grandfather’s service in the Army and later the Navy, and most especially the service and sacrifice of her son, U.S. Army Sergeant Corey E. Garver.

Ellen was preceded in death by her parents, Arvie and Ernest; her brother, Robert Eugene Hornsby; and her beloved son, Corey. On June 23, 2013, while serving with the 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team during Operation Enduring Freedom, Corey gave his life in Zormat, Afghanistan. Ellen carried his memory with her every day, along with a mother’s love and pride that never faded.

A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Ellen lived with quiet faith and trust in the promises of the Savior. Her faith helped sustain her through both the joys and sorrows of life, and her family and friends find comfort in the hope of a joyful reunion beyond this life.

Ellen is survived by her daughter, Kelly Elizabeth Garver; her son-in-law, Nathanael Verrill; her sister, Marilyn Louise Hornsby; her brother, James Arbin Hornsby; her six precious grandchildren, Liam Cade Sworenson, Daniel James Verrill, Sophia Elizabeth Verrill, Thomas Alexander Verrill, David Verrill, and Dallin Verrill; and her dear friends Ginger Jensen, Bonnie Burgoon, and Mary Dabney, who were family in every way that matters.

In keeping with Ellen’s love for her country and in memory of her son Corey, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Ellen will be remembered for her strength, her compassion, her faith, her love of family, and the beauty she brought into the lives of those around her.