Obituary of Betty Lou Ellison

Betty Lou Burnett was born on May 24, 1937 in Lombard, Illinois. She was one of thirteen children born from the union of the late David Earl and Pearl (Stone) Burnett.  

Betty married the love of her life, Orbin M. Ellison, on June 3, 1955 in Dougherty County, Georgia.   The couple was blessed with the birth of two children:  Julie and Keith.   Betty was a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother.   For many years she also worked outside the home, employed by Ford Motor Company in Milan on the assembly line.   Betty retired in 1994.

In her younger years, Betty enjoyed the great outdoors and staying active.   She would watch and listen to the orioles at her feeders and the beautiful hummingbirds that visited.   Betty enjoyed shooting trap, archery and the long bow.   She was an avid bowler and loved to crochet and read.   A talented writer, Betty often wrote beautiful poems to share, and regularly enjoyed lunch dates at the state park with her grandchildren.

Betty Lou Ellison, age 81, of Monroe, passed away unexpectedly at 11:35am on Sunday, June 10, 2018 at ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital.   In addition to her parents, her passing was preceded by her beloved husband of sixty-one years: Orbin M. Ellison on July 8, 2016; a son: Keith Allen Ellison; her siblings: David “Sonny” Burnett Jr., Bill Burnett, Larry “Sandy” Burnett, and Jimmy Burnett; half siblings: Rudell Burnett, Eva Knisley, Opal Rogers, Mae Thomas and Harley Burnett; and one grandson: Keith Ellison II.

To cherish her memory, Betty leaves her daughter: Julie Ann Baker of Newport; her siblings: Les (Kathy) Burnett, Rusty (Ann) Burnett, Ernie (Renee) Burnett, John Burnett, Vivian (Donald) Sullivan, Marilyn Jackson, Barb Sizemore, and Susie (Stump) Humphrey; half sibling: Elvin “Al” (Juna) Burnett; sisters-in-law: Jean Burnett, Wanda Burnett; six grandchildren: David Ellison, Christopher Baker, James Baker, Jennifer Cunningham, Summer Joy Hall and Logan Ellison; seven great grandchildren: Bryant, Malachi, Gabriel, Iaszac, Aryonna, Breyden and Mila.

Friends may gather on Thursday, June 14, 2018 from 10:30am until a Celebration of Her Life at 1:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185.   Reverend Tracy Palm pastor of The House of Prayer will officiate.   Procession will follow to Roselawn Memorial Park in LaSalle for burial.

Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, share a photo, or send a floral arrangement by visiting www.merklefs.com.