Ellen Bohnsack

Ellen Clothier Bohnsack

Ellen Marie Clothier Bohnsack, age 96, died January 8, 2016 after a long illness. Devoted wife and mother of five daughters, she was predeceased by her husband, Raymond B. Bohnsack after 65 years of marriage.  She is survived by daughters Bonnie Roberts of Fairfax, VA, Deborah Waddell of DeWitt, MI, Janice Newman of Glen Burnie, MD, Barbara Smith of Raleigh, NC and Rita Barton of Hillsboro, OR, sons-in-law, six grandchildren, three great grandchildren and countless friends.

Ellen was born in Marlette, MI, grew up in North Branch, MI attending North Branch High School. She graduated from Lapeer County Normal as a teacher and further studied at Eastern Michigan University and Michigan State University. The family lived in Lansing, MI on Spokane Avenue for over 20 years where Ellen was PTA President and Council member, assisted in setting Community Standards for the Lansing City Council and Police Department, organized the Block Parent Program of Lansing schools, and was charter member and Youth Fellowship Leader of Christ United Methodist Church.

After a move due to a job transfer for Ray to Alexandria, VA in 1967, she became a member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church, serving in several leadership roles, also teaching arts and crafts in nearby nursing homes.

Ellen was an excellent artist and taught china painting in her studio. She was a member of the International Porcelain Artists & Teachers, World Organization of China Painters. Ellen organized and was the first President of Mount Vernon Porcelain Artists.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 13, 2016, 1:00 p.m. at Oregon United Methodist Church in Columbiaville, MI.  Memorial contributions can be made in her honor to Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center's breast cancer research program.