Ellen M. Ensign

Ellen M. Ensign, age 78, of Battle Creek passed away peacefully on Wednesday evening, July 22, 2015. She was born in Manistee, Michigan on December 13, 1936, the loving daughter of Clarence H. and Julia (Graczyk) Shunneson. Ellen graduated from Manistee High School and furthered her education at K.C.C. receiving her degree as a Registered Nurse. Ellen worked for many years as a nurse at Community Hospital and Northside Pediatrics.

Ellen married Terryl Ensign in Battle Creek in 1967; he survives. She is also survived by her children, Jeanne (B.J.) Lillibridge of Battle Creek, Debra (Dave) Mounton and Laura Geelhoed, both of Houston, Texas; step-children, Roger (Toni) Ensign of Fruitport, Keith (Debra) Ensign, Sarah (Dave) Kinkead, Lisa (Jim) Rojo, all of Phoenix, Arizona; several grandchildren & great-grandchildren, and brothers, James (Mary) Shunneson and Richard MacDonald. Ellen was preceded in death by her parents.

Ellen was a member of the First Congregational Church, an Emeritus member of Altrusa and served as a Pennfield Township Trustee for many years. She enjoyed knitting & crocheting, gardening, gambling, swimming, boating, exercising and spending time with her family.

The family will receive friends 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., Friday, July 24, 2015 and 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., Saturday, July 25, 2015 at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care where funeral services to celebrate Ellen's life will be held 11:00 a.m., Saturday. Interment will be held 12:00 noon, Monday, July 27, 2015 at Fort Custer National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to Altrusa. Personal messages for the family and/or favorite memories of Ellen may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.