Treasured Storytellers

Ann L. Ellis

Treasured Storyteller

“Oh, I just have to tell you about the time when….” Ann Ellis’s WSU students would settle back to hear what classroom life was really like. Now that she has retired after 30 years as a faculty member of the teacher education department, her storytelling focus is in her family. As Grandma Ann, no family gathering is complete without her rendition of “The Little Wide-mouthed Frog” or the retelling of favorite ancestor stories. A long-time member of the WSU Storytelling Festival Committee, beginning with its inception, and, later, as its chair for eight years, Ann is dedicated to connecting teller, story and listener in those enchanted moments outside of time. She was awarded the Festival’s Karen J. Ashton Storytelling Award.

Virginia Rasmussen

Treasured Storyteller

Virginia auditioned for her first Weber State Storytelling Festival in 1996, and has participated in the festival ever since. She received the Karen J. Ashton Storytelling Award in 2009. In 2011 she became known as one of the festival's Treasured Teller's. Virginia loves to tell stories because it allows the audience to the use their imaginations and participate with the storyteller in creating a tale. Her motto is "Believe in the magic of Once Upon a Time."

Phyllis Savage

Treasured Storyteller

Drawing from nearly 60 years of experience teaching children, Phyllis Savage combines music and story into performances that delight audiences of all ages. A devotee of the WSU Storytelling Festival, she has served faithfully for many years as an MC and storyteller, especially in the Stories for Little Ones series. Phyllis received the Karen J. Ashton Award in 2012.