November 20 1920 October 19 2019 (age 98)
Dear Dorothy/Wife/Mom/Sister/Aunt and Great-Great-Grandma, The earth became a much better place on November 20, 1920. Your parents (George & Gertrude Ellis) who lived in Battle Creek, MI took delight in their first born Dorothy May. Two years later your sister Mary was born. In 1939 you proudly graduated from Battle Creek Central and enrolled at Western Michigan University. Working hard during the war years you met your soulmate and married Maurice (Morie) Holcomb in 1946. Remember when Lorie was born into your lives August of 1952? It was then time for a family home which brought you all to Climax in 1954. The family was complete when Larry came along in 1956. As a long time member of the Climax United Methodist Church wasn’t it so convenient living right down the street? You were an active member of the congregation for many years. Both prolific gardeners, you and Morie grew veggies in abundance! Your patient nature and excellent organizational skills made for a great Girl Scout leader. We loved what you created with your embroidery sewing and how often you volunteered to help with Rotary luncheons. Always a great fan you could talk sports all day while rooting for the Tigers, Spartans, and local school teams. Your endless sense of humor was a bright light in every conversation. Can you believe how fast the time flew by? Lorie married Keith Thomas in 1971. Next thing you know Larry is getting married to Gloria Lane in Tucson, AZ. Your only sister Mary Britton and her husband Ray lived there along with your two beloved nieces Sue and Sallee Britton. Your lovely letters and their endearing phone calls kept everyone close at heart. With joy comes sorrow. Just after celebrating your fortieth wedding anniversary with Morie in 1986, his life was suddenly stopped short. You stoically became his independent widow, living another thirty-three years at the home you shared on Maple Street. Never complaining but always maintaining your ‘house built by love’. How proud we have always been of you! Was it his loving spirit that guided your travels around the world? With friends or with family, you loved traveling to England, Egypt, Alaska, Switzerland, Europe and the Caribbean. Never the weary traveler your great health and stamina always kept you going. The eloquent writer that you always were showed us all how much you loved and enjoyed your family! Your grandchildren Kevin (Angie)Thomas, Emily (Geoff) Upshaw, Katie (Travis) Simpson and Andrew Holcomb. Great grandchildren Hunter Thomas, Danielle Tolbert, Alanna Thomas, Karissa Thomas, Jake Thomas (deceased) and Justin Thomas. It was so exciting two years ago when you became a great-great grandmother to Carter Thomas. A testimony of the selfless life you shared with so many and how keeping things simple might’ve been the secret to your longevity. We praise God for your very special life and how we were all very blessed by it. With Love, Your loving family P. S. – Services will be held Monday October 28 at the Langeland Chapel in Climax. Visitation at 9:30 am and a funeral service at 10:00 am. Interment to be held at Fort Custer National Cemetery immediately following the service. Visit Dorothy’s guest book at www.langelands.com Donations can be made online at: www.bronsonhealth.com/bronson-health-foundation/online-giving/ Select the Robert A. Fabi Neurosiences Fund Or mail to: Bronson Health Foundation Robert A. Fabi Neurosiences Fund 301 John St, Box C Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Dorothy Holcomb Ellis November 20 1920 October 19 2019 (age 98).
Langeland Family Funeral Homes – Galesburg Chapel
Death notice for the town of: Galesburg, state: Michigan