Mildred (Millie) Turpin Ellett

Heaven has received a most wonderful and colorful soul. Mildred Turpin Ellett, aka Millie, aka Tootsie the Clown, just arrived in paradise to provide added joy and some clowning around! Loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister,  aunt, and friend to countless others, passed away from complications due to uterine cancer on Sept. 19th, 2023 surrounded by her loved ones.

Millie was born in Magna, Utah on May 23rd, 1955 to Wayne and Helen Turpin. She has nine siblings, Helen Mae, Danny, Erland, David, Jerry, MaryEllen, Eddy Dean, Sara Lue and Grant Turpin. Her parents and sister Sara Lue have preceded her in passing. Millie's family and children all attended and graduated Magna Elementary,  Brockbank Jr. and Cyprus High School…Go Pirates – West Side Pride!

Millie was married to David Ellett in the Salt Lake Temple and has six beautiful children: Zachary (Suzanne), Anjelena Behling (Brett), Talisa Offret (Steve), Sareena Price, Katrena Ellett and Lance Ellett (Beth). All of which have provided Millie the joys of her life – 30 grandchildren and seven (soon to be) nine great- grandchildren.

Millie was a Magna and Utah treasure. She tirelessly served her community as Tootsie the Clown for nearly 30 years. Her accomplishments were many! Tootsie could be seen bringing joy and laughter to children of all ages riding her giant purple tricycle, making amazing balloon creations and performing hilarious magic tricks, all in the character of four and three-quarter year old Tootsie!

She was a staple at the Utah State Fair, Utah Jazz playoffs games, parades and festivals throughout the state. Tootsie entertained at birthday parties for the children of Karl Malone, Mark Eaton, John Stockton, Mrs. Fields and many other Utah legends. She was invited to The White House Easter Egg Roll on several occasions and was hired to entertain at Grand Openings of Mervyn's, Fred Myers, Gart Bros and many other well known companies. Tootsie also entertained thousands at Utah First Night, Utah County Fair, Murray SL County Fair, WestFest and Children's Museum of Utah, to name a few.

Tootsie won 14 First Place trophies at national and regional clown competitions in Las Vegas and San Diego. Millie also served as President of the Utah Jesters Association, as member of the Board for Magna Copper Days and Miss Magna Pageants. She also worked with Ronald McDonald as his personal assistant and “Bodyguard” as he traveled throughout the country. Millie took great pride in attaining her CDL license and drove trucks for Frito Lay and UDOT proving to herself and others that you can achieve your goals with hard work and ambition.

Millie's family will be having a Celebration of Life, which could last for weeks, but will be condensed to Saturday,  September 23rd from 5:00-8:00pm at the Wardhouse at 5775 South 2700 West Taylorsville,  UT. 84129 Freinds and Family are welcome to attend.

A special thank you to Aunt Diana, Aunt MaryEllen, Uncle Eddy,  Crystal Turpin Morfin, Starks Funeral Parlor, the care assistants at Escalante Living Center, and all others that have helped make our mother's life comfortable. Thank you.