Mary Ellen (Dunn) Strole

Mary Ellen (Dunn) Strole, 72, a lifelong resident of Battle Creek, Michigan died at home surrounded by loved ones on Thursday, November 5, 2015, after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer.

She was born July 7, 1943 in Battle Creek, Michigan to James Mark and Evelyn Helen (Erard) Dunn. Mary grew up in Battle Creek, attended St. Joseph Catholic School and then finished her education at St. Philip Catholic Central and was in the graduating class of 1961.

Mary Ellen Dunn was united in marriage to the Love of her Life, Patrick LeRoy Strole on August 31, 1963 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Battle Creek. Surviving are Pat, her husband of 52 years; daughter, Angie Brown (Terry Forrister) of Battle Creek; granddaughters , Alyssa and Chloe Brown, son; Patrick (Paula) Strole of Avondale, AZ; granddaughters, Megan and Carly Strole ; sister Patricia (Dunn) Blaskie of Battle Creek; brother, David Mark "Bud" Dunn & wife Beverly of Battle Creek and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and their families. Mary was preceded in death by her parents and Uncle, George Erard.

Mary Ellen was an active member of St. Philip Catholic Church. Mary was the 1960 Homecoming Queen at St. Philip and Captain of the Cheerleading squad. Early after marriage she worked for a brief time at the Federal Center before starting a family. She enjoyed walking, traveling on day trips with Pat, exploring beaches, lighthouses and being at Lake Michigan. She enjoyed the outdoors tending to her vegetable and flower gardens. Mary was a great cook; holiday dinners became a tradition at her house. She loved her family and loved spending time with her grandchildren. Mary Ellen will be remembered with a big beautiful smile, expressing unconditional love and heartfelt sincerity. She demonstrated selflessness on a daily basis and was always counted on to help get things done; she left a strong, indelible impression on everyone she met. She was always supporting her family in their extracurricular activities and was their biggest fan. Mary will be missed by All.

Friends will be received 6:00-8:00 p.m. Thursday, November 12, 2015 at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, where the Rosary will be recited at 7:30 p.m. Personal messages for the family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.