Obituary of Christopher Mark Elliott
Christopher Mark Elliott was born on June 21, 1969 in Sidney, Ohio. He was one of four children born to the union of Richard and Sherry (Snavley) Elliott. Upon graduation from Fairlawn High School in Sidney, he continued his education at Concordia College in Ann Arbor, Michigan, earning a Bachelor of Education and later, a Master’s degree from Concordia University in St. Paul, Minnesota. Chris taught Middle School Science, Physical Education and Health at Flat Rock Community Schools for the past twenty-five years, where he was also a mentor to his fellow teachers. Additionally, Chris was the Middle School’s football, baseball, volleyball and boys and girls basketball coach. He previously coached the Flat Rock Varsity Baseball team for sixteen years, winning the State Championship in 2001. As a coach, he ensured his players exhibited sportsman-like conduct and never cut corners, making certain the game was played by the rules. To his students and players, Chris was more than just a teacher or just a coach. He took a genuine interest in their education and wellbeing, making an impact on their lives in a very personal way.
On November 18, 1994 he wed Gretchen Krug at Holy Ghost Lutheran Church in Monroe, Michigan. Together, they raised three children who would come to love sports as much as their parents. Although he was an avid Ohio State Buckeyes fan, Chris loved nothing more than to watch his own children play and even assisted in coaching them when they attended Holy Ghost Lutheran School. He collected sports cards with his sons, often buying and selling on EBAY. Together they attended the National Sports Collectors Convention several times.
An active parishioner of Holy Ghost Lutheran Church, Chris was their former Executive Director and current Assistant Director. An informal member of the choir, he sometimes exhibited his beautiful singing voice that stood out among the others.
Chris never met a stranger and was a friend to all. It seemed he couldn’t go anywhere without bumping into someone he’d strike up a conversation with. A selfless and caring person, Chris ensured he maintained contact with many people from his past and took the time to reach out to them if there was any indication they needed an ear to listen. Chris was a pillar of his community, but more than anything else he was a loving husband and caring father.
Christopher Mark Elliott, age 51, of Monroe, passed away on Monday, April 19, 2021. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents: Richard and Thelma Elliott, uncle: Michael Elliott, and aunt: Jacque Elliott.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife of twenty-six years: Gretchen Elliott, daughter: Alexandria Elliott, twin sons: Bryce and Benjamin Elliott, parents: Richard and Sherry Elliott, sisters: Amy McKnight and Deann (Jason) Cooper, brother: Bart Elliott, maternal grandparents: Pete and Marge Snavley, father and mother in-law: Robert and Vi Krug, nephews: Brendan McKnight and Keegan Cooper, and niece Cassie McKnight.
Friends may gather on Sunday, April 25, 2021 from 3:00 until 8:00pm and Monday, April 26, 2021 from 2:00 until 8:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 N. Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185. He will lie in state from 10:00 until 11:00am on Tuesday, April 27, 2021 at Holy Ghost Lutheran Church, 3563 Heiss Road, Monroe, Michigan 48162. A Worship Service Celebrating His Life will take place outside at 11:00am followed by burial at Gethsemane Cemetery. The services will be live streamed in Holy Ghost Lutheran Church's Sanctuary as well as Community Lutheran Church's Gym or you may watch the live stream at https://vimeo.com/541260542
Memorials are suggested to Holy Ghost Lutheran School. Online guests may leave words of comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the State of Michigan’s mandates guests will be limited in number in the building, face coverings will be required for entry and no food or beverages will be permitted in the building.
