Elder Stanley G. Ellis

Of the Seventy

Elder Stanley Gareld Ellis knew that no one could prove the existence of God through scientific means, but at Harvard University he learned that he could prove God by testing His promises. Halfway through his freshman year, he ran out of money and secured a job to help pay his expenses. Although he doubted that he could pay tithing and still cover all of his costs, he decided to “prove” the Lord (see Malachi 3:10).

“I paid my tithing first, and a miracle happened,” said Elder Ellis, recently called from the Second Quorum of the Seventy to the First Quorum. “I made it to the next paycheck. And that happened every two weeks for the entire semester. By proving the Lord, I solidified my testimony that He is real and that He keeps His promises.”

Elder Ellis was born to Stephen and Hazel Ellis in January 1947 in Burley, Idaho, USA, and grew up there on a farm and ranch. After a year at Harvard he served in the Brazilian Mission from 1966 to 1968. Following his return, he married Kathryn Kloepfer in June 1969 in the Los Angeles California Temple. They are the parents of nine children.

Following his graduation from Harvard, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in government, he earned a law degree from Brigham Young University. Elder Ellis worked in tax planning and became the chief executive officer of a financial consulting company.

Prior to his call to the First Quorum of the Seventy, Elder Ellis served in presidencies of the North America Southwest Area, the Brazil North Area, the Brazil Area, and on the Boundary and Leadership Change Committee. From 1999 to 2002 he served as the president of the Brazil São Paulo North Mission. He has also been a stake president, counselor in a stake presidency, high councilor, counselor in a bishopric, elders quorum president, and ward and stake Young Men president.