deRicci (Dee) Diane Ells-Petrillo, 83, passed away peacefully at her home in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota… probably having the last word… on September 5th, 2026, with her beloved husband, David Petrillo, by her side.

Dee was born June 13th, 1943, in Fargo, North Dakota to George and Ellen Ells. She spent her early years in Minnesota until she got “a wild hair” and moved to the mountains of Summit County, Colorado, in 1978.

There, Dee raised her children, Chris and Erika, in her two-bedroom condominium that somehow managed not only to accommodate her family, but also several of their friends. If you know Dee, you know that “raising her children” was a somewhat flexible concept. If you showed up at her door, you were family. And…there was probably a party going on, and drinks available!

As all her many friends and family know, Dee lived her life unapologetically and to the fullest. You could find her cutting a rug at the Snake River Saloon, and/or The Old Dillon Inn, often. And there is where Dee met her lasting love, Dave Petrillo, and then spent over 30 years badgering him.

Some of their favorite years were spent travelling around Colorado and surrounding states, attending art fairs and selling their beautiful creations. They would repurpose vintage furniture and mirrors, using birch bark, various leather hides, and authentic wooden picture frames. Many of her family and friends have a variety of their pieces, which can now provide them peace.

Dee worked in several service industries throughout Dillon and Silverthorne, where she had a remarkable talent for befriending virtually everyone she encountered. She had the gift of gab, a generous heart, and a sense of fashion like no other.

She leaves behind her husband David Petrillo, son Christopher Steinke (Amy), daughter Erika Daly (Michael), and her beloved grandchildren, Sam and Peyton Daly. She is also survived by her three siblings, Elaine Robinette (Carl), Georgia Bakkum (Bob, recently deceased), and Greg. There are too many loved ones to list, but several friends, nieces, nephews, and corner hookers’ lives have been touched by her pizzazz and crazy stories.

Stay tuned for a celebration of life next June in Summit County, Colorado. At that time, in lieu of flowers, please wear something fabulous, tell a good Dee story, and stay for one more drink. She would approve.