Garnet Faye Ellis

Garnet Faye Ellis, age 85, of Millersburg, died at MyMichigan Medical Center in Alpena on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. The daughter of George and Iva Mae (Donnelly) Vanderwall, Garnet was born in Wyoming, Michigan on August 10, 1939, and was raised in Grand Rapids. On October 19,1957, when she was eighteen years old, Garnet married Francis Ellis. They made their home in Warren before moving to Northern Michigan in 1971 to live in Millersburg.

Garnet found immense joy in being a wife, mother, homemaker, and caregiver throughout her lifetime. With her gentle, kind, and compassionate spirit, she worked as a caregiver in several care homes as well as privately. She later became a classroom "Grandma" at the Millersburg Elementary School and then at the Onaway Elementary School. Grandma Ellis had a gift for making each child feel special and loved. Adored by the children, it was not uncommon to have a child run to her and embrace her in a hug. She often inquired about her former students, wanting to know where their lives had taken them and if they were doing well. After many years with the school, she began volunteering as a senior companion at Medilodge of Rogers City. Garnet embodied a servant's heart, caring deeply for both the young and elderly, throughout her lifetime.

Well-known in the community, Garnet was friendly and seemed to know everyone. She always took time to say hello and chat with friends and neighbors. She had a deep Christian faith and attended church at North Country Baptist Church and more recently at the Remnant Church of Jesus Christ. An avid bingo player, she was a regular in Indian River at the Lion's Club and Cross in the Woods when it was bingo night. She enjoyed collecting gnomes and pursued hobbies like knitting, crocheting, macramé, and sewing. She baked the best homemade bread and loved fishing, deer hunting, and family vacations at Whitefish Point where she spent a great deal of time fishing. Her greatest passion was her family. She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren and was proud of each one.

Surviving are her three daughters, Rebecca (Kurt) Schlichct of Fruitland Park, Florida, Teresa Walmsley (Terry) of Rogers City, and Wanda (Dan) Schneider of Sheboygan, Wisconsin; daughter-in-law, Annette Dombrowski of Onaway; as well as grandchildren, Travis, Troy (Melissa), Roman (Tiffany), Daniel (Morgan), Veronica (Michael), Loretta, and David (Kahaitie); thirteen great grandchildren; and one great, great grandchild. She also leaves her brother, Jim Vanderwall and sister, Joyce VanStee, nieces, nephews, and many who called her "Grandma." Garnet's legacy of love, kindness, and service will live on in all who had the privilege of knowing her.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Fran; son, Edward Ellis; and siblings, Gloria, Don, and Joanne.

Garnet's family will receive friends at Chagnon Funeral Home on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, from 11:00 AM until the funeral service begins at 1:00 PM. Elder Denise Pauly will officiate. A graveside service will follow at Riverside Cemetery. Those planning an expression of sympathy please consider a contribution in memory of Garnet Ellis to the American Cancer Society.