Obituary of Ellen Louise Russell
Ellen Louise Beauch was born in Saline, Michigan on December 10, 1953. She was the daughter of the late Glen W. Beauch and the late Helen Louise (Smith) Beauch. Ellen attended Milan Schools graduating from high school with the Class of 1972.
On December 31, 1973, Ellen married the love of her life, Harley Russell. The couple had a special bond and in 1995 established the Mr. Bread Basket Restaurant in Milan. While providing a majority of the cooking, Ellen took care of any other tasks that required her attention. For more than fifteen years they took great pride in serving their customers. Before Harley's death in 2003, they enjoyed travel, often visiting Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Ellen could be strong-willed but was extremely loving. She was a favorite aunt to her numerous nieces and nephews and she loved animals particularly four legged companions, dogs and cats.
Led by her strong Christian faith she attended London United Methodist Church regularly until her declining health no longer allowed it. Even in the face of adversity, Ellen displayed a persistent upbeat outlook on life. She was gifted at crocheting, and her determination allowed her to continue completing needlework projects even with debilitating arthritis. She was an example to others, and her laugh and smile could comfort anyone.
Ellen Louise Russell, age 65, of Dundee passed away unexpectedly at her home on Friday, October 18, 2019. In addition to her parents and her husband her passing was preceded by a brother: Leslie Beauch.
To cherish her memory, Ellen leaves five sisters; Kay (Jim) Crunkilton of Deerfield, Karen Rigel (Fred Falk) of Ypsilanti, Myra C. Warren of Ypsilanti, Glenna Kennedy of Princeton, West Virginia, and Terry L. (Greg) Keilman of Ypsilanti, two brothers-in law; Frank (Carole) Russell of Milan and Ray (Jan) Russell of Tecumseh; a sister-in-law: Louis (Ken) Tressler of Port Huron; and several nieces and nephews.
Friends may gather from 10:00am until 12:00pm, noon on Friday, October 25, 2019, at Merkle Funeral Service, Dundee; 297 Tecumseh Street (734) 529-3156. A Celebration of Her Life will follow at Noon also at Merkle’s with Pastor Roy Southerland officiating. Procession will follow to Azalia Cemetery for inurnment.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Arthritis Foundation. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.