MARLENE JOYCE ELLSWORTH

Marlene Joyce Ellsworth, age 86, a beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great-great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully July 5, 2023 at home. Born Sept. 11, 1936, in Hubbard Lake, Michigan, she was the cherished daughter of the late Elwin and Evelyn (Shunk) Burnham.

Marlene loved her family and devoted herself to them fully. Her fiery spirit influenced all who knew her and her radiant smile was a beacon of her warm-hearted nature. She was a woman of many hidden talents and interests, ranging from gardening and garage sales to dancing and writing poems. She was never one to sit still, and could usually be found in the kitchen, garden or doing some other task around her home. Always a song in her heart, humming and singing, Marlene’s music brought joy and comfort to those around her. Marlene was an outspoken, practical woman and was proud to have all her children graduate from college.

She was a woman of great intellect and determination, earning an Associate’s degree and working as a Licensed Practical Nurse until a growing family shifted her focus to raising them, and later, to care for her grandson Tavis, and then her husband, David. Marlene’s dedication to family was evident in her selfless care for her husband, children and grandchildren.

Family was the cornerstone of Marlene’s life. She is survived by her children Michael (Christina) Ellsworth of Hernando, Mississippi, Debra Wcisel-Ellsworth of Alpena, Randy (Marcy) Ellsworth of St. Joseph, Michigan, Karen Ellsworth (Derrick) of Laurel, Maryland, and Kathy (Jason) Whittemore of Caledonia, Michigan. She was a grandmother to 19 grandchildren, a great-grandmother to 17, and a great-great-grandmother to one. Her love for family was profound and unwavering, she will be dearly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Marlene was the beloved sister of Margaret Crowl, Katherine Gnadinger, Roy (Christine) Burnham, Grace (Chuck) Gohl, and Carrie Burnham. She was preceded in death by her dear husband, David, who passed away Aug. 30, 2016, son Raymond, daughter Linda, and siblings Gertrude Buchler, Arthur Burnham, Robert Burnham, Betty Kollien, Marian Prevost, William Burnham, and Mildred Harmon.

Marlene’s life was a testament to her deep love for family. Marlene’s memory will live on through the lives of those she touched, as she is remembered not only for her accomplishments and passions, but for the love and kindness she embodied. Her spirit will forever be a source of inspiration and comfort to all who knew her.

Marlene is at McWilliams Funeral Home where visiting hours will be held from 4-8 p.m. on Friday, July 14. Visitation will resume on Saturday, July 15 from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Leslie Nye officiating. Memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice. Interment: Maple Ridge Twp. Cemetery