Ellsworth Willis Rea

It is with a heavy heart to announce the passing of Ellsworth Willis Rea, a beloved father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend, who departed this world on September 10, 2025, at the age of 80.

Born October 15, 1944 in Alpena, MI to father John Phelps Rea and mother Iola Kniffin-Rea, he and his family eventually settled in Flint, MI. He was the middle child of three boys, stayed close to his older brother John Jr. and took on the role of caring for his younger brother Patrick, a Veteran of Vietnam. He married Carolina Merino in 1964 and had three daughters. After 30 yrs., he retired from GM in 1995, then after 8 yrs., retired from Oakland Community College in 2003.

Ellsworth lived the majority of his working years in Pontiac, MI, and last 15 years of his retirement in Kalamazoo, MI near his eldest daughter, granddaughter and great grandchildren. Together they enjoyed being a family that laughed together, played together, traveled together, and weathered many a tough times together; he and his daughter cherished their friendship, one built on love and a true sense of camaraderie.

Though not a perfect man, Ellsworth’s tenacity to push through many difficult trials in life was not only commendable, but from humble beginnings, through life’s challenges and a few rough roads traveled, he was a man to be admired; it was his dedication to over 35 years of hard work however, that kept him strong, and afforded him the ability to love and support family, friends, and many others across the globe — individuals he deeply admired and always kept dear to his heart — a man of faith, he found joy, honor and purpose in giving the most, to those most in need.

Ellsworth came to enjoy life’s simple pleasures in his later years. He was always most comfortable in blue jeans and a t-shirt, and gathered onto himself simple things preferring to generously share the fruits of his labor with others. He loved Lillies, Butterflies, Cardinals, a fresh cup of Joe, buttery popcorn, garage sales, a good thunderstorm, and collecting comics, coins and movies, his favorite being, Secretariat. He loved the challenge of a hand at Texas Holdom, and was a darn good pool player at one time. He enjoyed hanging out with his great grandchildren at the mall, arcades, parks and beaches; a close family, they enjoyed holiday cheer, backyard barbecues, and had many wonderful vacations together.

Ellsworth survived his dearly beloved father John Rea and mother Iola June (Rea/Griffin) Kniffin; his step-father Cornelius Griffin, brothers John Phelps Jr. and Patrick Rea, half-sister Susan Cornelia (Kniffin) Matney, wife Michelle Ann (Donnelly) Rea, daughter Mardell Lynn (Rea) Doza, granddaughter Gabrielle Rea Gonzales, and dear friend Jerry Stanfield.

He is survived by his beloved daughters Windy Leigh Rea and Eileen Phillis (Rea) Stoecklin, grandchildren Mitchell R. Olsen and Joel R. Stoecklin, his great grandchildren Isabella A. Gonzales, Aubrey L. Gonzales, Emma E. Gonzales, Ryder J. Gonzales, Celina Olsen, and half-brother Michael Griffin.

Unwaveringly by his side, his daughter and great grandchildren will forever cherish the honor of caring for Ellsworth through his last years, weeks, and most precious last days; he passed peacefully surrounded by the love of family, and the wonderful caregivers in the beautiful home of Kairos Dwelling in Kalamazoo, MI.