Lovelda Ely

Lovelda (Whiteaker) Ely was born February 14, 1937, in Monroe, Michigan. She was one of nine children from the union of Henley Whiteaker and Minnie (Ellison) Whiteaker. She attended Monroe High School and graduated with the class of 1956.
On August 22, 1959, at the First Baptist Church, Lovelda married her high school sweetheart, Leonard Ely and together the couple were blessed with three sons: Jeffery, Brian, and Steven. She was a loving mother and wife who expressed her love through acts of service for her family and friends. She was a skilled cook who made many delicious meals for her family, special events, and those who graced her home. Her specialties were homemade dishes created from vegetables she canned each year from their family garden. Her cookies were also always a family favorite that were quickly consumed as soon as they were finished. Lovelda was known to create beautiful centerpieces and decorations for home, holidays, and church events.
Over the years Lovelda enjoyed bowling, cake decorating, and being a Mary Kay representative. From the day she and Leonard accepted Jesus as Savior in 1984 at The First Church of the Nazarene, her faith in Jesus was always a large part of her life. She spent a lot of time reading the bible, Christian books, and serving in the churches they attended over the years as a greeter and assisting with communion.
Lovelda Ely, age 88 of Monroe passed away peacefully on Friday; October 10, 2025, at Brookdale Manor of Monroe. She was surrounded by her family and under the care of Beacon Hospice. Her passing was preceded on October 13, 2023 by her husband of 64 years, Leonard Ely. Her parents: Henley and Minnie Whiteaker; six brothers: Darrel, Wayne, Lewis, Nathan, Phillip, and Dennis Whiteaker; and two sisters: Jeanette and Irma Dudley.
To cherish Lovelda's memory she leaves three sons: Jeffery (Mary) Ely, Brian (Pam) Ely, and Steven (Sherry) Ely; and six grandchildren: Daniel, Leah, Luke, Ciera, Jacob, and Andrew.
Friends may gather from 4:00pm until 8:00pm on Wednesday; October 15, 2025, at Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe; 14567 South Dixie Highway, Monroe, Michigan 48161 (734) 241-7070. A Celebration of Her Life will be held at Merkle's on Thursday; October 16, 2025, at 11:00am. Reverends Kim and Cindy Semran of First Baptist Church in Monroe will officiate. A procession will follow to Roselawn Memorial Park in LaSalle, Michigan for burial.
Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Monroe.