Ella Miriam Geiss

Obituary for Ella Miriam Frances Geiss

(May 28, 2009-February 25, 2026)

In repose at Voran Funeral Home, Taylor Michigan

Ella Miriam Frances Geiss passed away peacefully on the morning of Wednesday, February 25, 2026 in the lap of and warm and loving embrace of her mother Erika and with her father Doug and brother Michael holding Ella's hands on either side of them. Born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Ella was a life-long resident of Taylor. She was an alumna of Holland Elementary School, West Middle School and an early graduate of Taylor High School where she was involved in many activities. Ella's love of music was fostered at home but nurtured and grown first in the West Middle School choir and band (clarinet) and then in the Taylor High School bands moving up the ranks from Cadet, Concert to Symphonic bands (clarinet) and Marching Band (electric keyboard in Front Ensemble). She performed her last Symphonic concert on December 10, 2025.

Ella was not one for drama but was a proud member of the Taylor High School Drama Club, performing in such plays as A Christmas Carol, Grease Jr., Mathilda Jr., and Alice in Wonderland. With her cast mates at her side, Ella gave her last performance on December 6, 2025. Ella was also a member of the Thespian Society, where she received accolades and awards each year that she attended the annual Thespian Festival in Lansing.

Ella was also active in Students Leading Students, and eSports League among others, including recently being named a member of the THS Hope Squad. During her early years, Ella was a student at Taylor Dance having taken Ballet, Tap, and Tahitian Dance, and was a supernumerary baker in Ballet Americana's 2013 performance of The Nutcracker.

Along with taking great joy for singing and playing music and acting, Ella had a profound love of musical theater. She also enjoyed crafting, (especially Studio Ghibli), cosplay, attending Motor City Comic Con, the Renaissance Festival, and Youmacon, and nature. Those who know Ella well also know of her love for cats, owls, mushrooms, rocks, the woods, and the beach. She wanted to pursue a career protecting wildlife from environmental damage to their habitats.

Throughout her three-and-a-half-year battle with Synovial Sarcoma (a rare chromosomal cancer) with which she was diagnosed July 1, 2022, she fought valiantly and with an unwavering spirit. During her battle, Ella was often described as a warrior as she endured multiple surgeries, several rounds of radiation, several different types of chemotherapy, countless scans and blood draws, transfusions, and a T-cell transplant all while still managing to stay as focused as possible on her schoolwork, extracurriculars, and spending time with friends and family. Ella was always grateful for and gracious to the vast oncology, surgical, radiology, transplant, infusion, and support teams who helped her navigate the cancer and eventually home-hospice journeys. We thank all who cared for her at C.S. Motts Children's Hospital.

Ella is survived by her mother Erika, father Doug, brother Michael, Godfather Nick, Godmother Frances; Great Grandmother Constance; Grandparents Corky and "Papa" Israel, David and Jacqueline, Mark and Germaine, and Djènane; aunts and uncles Dawn, David W., Jennifer, David B., Edwin (and his wife Emily), Chantal, Djènane, and Mark; and first cousins Kyle, Austin, Jay, Ashleigh, and Evan.

Ella (known to her close friends as Ather) had a wealth of close-knit friends who shared her joy and passion for music and drama and could often be found playing Minecraft, Roblox, or Fortnite among other online games with her friends when not having and making adventures in real life together.

Everyone whose lives Ella touched have been enriched by her presence and warm spirit. For so many of us our world is now a little emptier but can be consoled by having full hearts for having her in our lives. Ella would not want us to mourn the loss of her physical body. She would want us to celebrate her life and spirit with joy and love, and she would urge us all (in her words) to be good, do right, and be kind to the environment. Her memory will always be a blessing.

Viewing for Ella Geiss will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2026 from 2 p.m. to 8. p.m. at Voran Funeral Home on 23750 Goddard Road, Taylor MI 48180.

The funeral service will be held on Sunday, March 8, 2026 at 11 a.m. at Voran Funeral Home on 23750 Goddard Road, Taylor MI 48180.

In keeping with the Enchanted Forest theme of Ella's quinceanera in 2024, we are asking that guests attending the funeral wear something green (Ella's favorite color).

A repast will be held in Ella's memory and honor at The Lakes of Taylor Golf Club on the 2nd floor at 25505 Northline Road, Taylor MI, 48180 at 1:00 p.m. following the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, the Geiss family asks that you make a donation to the following causes or organizations near and dear to Ella's heart:

C.S. Mott Children's Hospital 7 East

For Pediatric Hematology Oncology fund and the Nursing fund dedicated to the exceptional nursing staff in appreciation of the stellar care they provided to Ella throughout her treatment.

Website: https://victors.us/ellageiss

H.E.L.P. for Children's Cancer

23122 Forest Lane

Taylor MI, 48180

Website: https://www.helpforchildrenscancer.org where there is a direct link for donations. Whether online or via mail, please include in the memo or reference, "In memory and honor of Ella Geiss."

Taylor Public Schools Education Foundation

C/O Taylor Board of Education

13500 Pine Street

Taylor, MI 48180

Website: https://taylorschoolsfoundation.org/donate

Memorandum: "Donation made in memory and honor of Ella Geiss for a Scholarship fund for band or drama students."

For those who cannot attend the funeral service in-person, a live stream link will be available the morning of Sunday, March 8th.

If you would like to post a message or share a memory or photo with Ella, please do so in the space provided.

"The Earth has music for those who will listen."