Barrington George "Barry" Ellis

MARQUETTE, MI - Barrington "Barry" George Ellis, 87, of Marquette, passed away Sunday, August 24, 2025, surrounded with love and family at Brookridge Heights Assisted Living.

He was born December 17, 1937, in Marquette, the son of Roy and Luella (Beals) Ellis. He was a 1955 graduate of Graveraet High School and earned a Bachelor's degree in Accounting from Northern Michigan University in 1961.

On March 21, 1959 he married the love of his life Margaret Stickney also of Marquette. They met in high school and spent years writing love letters to each other when apart. Their young love had Marge riding the milk train to visit Barry in Milwaukee while he worked during a Technical Drawing apprenticeship at Allis Chalmers in Milwaukee, WI. Deciding on Accounting as a career path, this brought him back to Marquette where Barry and Marge enjoyed 66 wonderful married years together.

Barry was employed at Bunny Bread for 35 years. He started his career there working with IBM Computer Systems and worked his way up to the General Manager position at the bakery which he held for many years before his retirement in 1992.

Barry was a member of Rotary, Jaycees, Boy Scout Troop 305, Boys Scouts Order of the Arrow, and GRO Global Radio Outreach. He was also a member and former elder of Waters Edge Church (formerly Gospel Tabernacle) and loved his church family. Barry and Marge started a bible study fondly known as Soup Group that was enjoyed by young adults for ten years. They would open their home up to mentor and fellowship with college students and young married families. Barry enjoyed sharing words of encouragement. He was quick to give a pat on the back, squeeze of the arm,and a smile to let you know you were loved. He was a solid prayer warrior for anyone who was in need.

Barry was a self taught handyman. When his children got married and moved to homes of their own he was on the ready with his tool belt and a helping hand to do whatever needed to get done. He enjoyed woodworking, camping, and traveling the US and various countries. He enjoyed retirement to its fullest whether it was seeing his children and grandchildren whenever he could, traveling to Europe, Ireland, Israel and a mission trip to Brazil. Barry was a big fan of Disney World and made many trips to the Magic Kingdom with family and friends. He found deep joy in experiencing life with his bride. Barry will be remembered for his outgoing personality and the light and joy he brought into the room and shared with others. He always liked dancing to the music and being in the company of others.

Barry is survived by his wife, Margaret Ellis of Marquette; children, son James (Cathleen) Ellis of Belmont, MI, daughters Christine Ellis of Cedar Springs, MI, Julie (Todd) Moore of Green Bay, WI and Jodi (Dan) Soley of Menomonee Falls, WI; grandchildren, Emma Ellis and her fiance,Christopher Gotti, Rachel Ellis, Brittany (Evan) Schumacher, Baron (Natalie) Zamis, Bryce Lenardson, Tessa and Haddie Moore, Sophie, Sadie, Ava, Fisher and Tate Soley; great-grandchild, Arlo Schumacher; sister in law Jean (John) Ellis of Indianapolis and several nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, in-laws and siblings, John Ellis, Anna Rose Kehr and Jim Ellis.

Visitation will be held on August 30, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Waters Edge Church in Marquette, MI. A funeral service will be held at 12 pm with Pastor John Tuttle officiating. A luncheon will follow the service in the church. The service will be livestreamed at Water's Edge Live Link

Special thanks to everyone at U.P Health Systems, Norlite Nursing Home, Brookridge Heights Assistant Living and UP Home Health and Hospice for their care and support of Barry.

Canale-Tonella Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting the family where memories may be shared at canalefuneral.com