Ellen L. (Palmer) McRae

Ellen L (Palmer) McRae, 84 of Battle Creek died peacefully at Rose Arbor Place on Tuesday, June 30, 2026.

Ellen was born in Battle Creek Michigan on May 30, 1942, to James and Albertine (Smith) Palmer. She was a lifelong Battle Creek resident and later in life spent her winters in Fort Myers, Florida.

Ellen attended St. Philip schools and graduated with the class of 1960. She held several work positions including being a telephone operator, realtor and her favorite was operating “Ellen and Carol Estate Sales”.

Ellen married William (Bill) McRae on May 20, 1961 at St. Philip Catholic Church. Bill predeceased her after 50 years of marriage. Surviving are their two daughters Lorrie (Gary) Koster and Beth (David) Jolly; four grandchildren Brent (Meghan) Koster, Christie (Carson) Dood, Megan Jolly and Jessica Jolly; three great-grandchildren Stella and Mason Koster and Graham Dood; brother James (Kathy) Palmer, and sister-in-law Nancy Palmer . She is also survived by several special nephews and nieces and their families. Ellen was also preceded in death by her brothers, Leo and Bill Palmer.

Ellen was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and active in the St. Joseph Council of Catholic Women (CCW). She was a devoted wife, mother and “Nana”. She had many friendships including high school, Bunco, cards and Florida friends. She had many hobbies including gardening, antiquing, baking and playing cards.

Ellen’s family wishes to thank the care teams at UM-West in Grand Rapids, the special care givers at Commonwealth Senior Living, and Rose Arbor Place in Kalamazoo.

At the request of her family, friends may call at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care located at 105 Capital Avenue NE, Battle Creek, Michigan on Tuesday, July 7th between 5:00 – 7:00, where the Rosary will be recited at 7:00 PM. A visitation will will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, July 8th at 10:00 AM followed by a prayer service at 11:00 AM. Committal and interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Ellen to St. Joseph Catholic Church’s Council of Catholic Women (CCW) 61 N. 23rd St., Battle Creek, MI 49015.

Personal messages for the family may be placed here at www.farlyestesdowdle.com.