Mari Lynn "Mel" Ellison

Mari Lynn "Mel" Alyssa Ellison, age 35, passed away on August 10, 2024, with her loving and devoted husband, Jake, by her side. Mel was born on October 11, 1988, to Arthur and Ellen (Bauman) Cory, who both preceded her in death. On April 17, 2010, she married Jacob Ellison, and she loved the family that they built together. Mel attended Baker College and recently went back to GRCC to pursue a career with children. She worked as a paraprofessional at Kent City Elementary and absolutely loved all the children she came into contact with. They all knew her as "Miss Mel" and her heart was filled by the many big hugs they gave her, and she loved the cards and drawings that she received from them while in the hospital. Mel was such a giving and loving soul, to know her was to love her. She was fun-loving, feisty, enthusiastic, sometimes a bit sassy (that is what her family loved most about her), and her laughter was infectious. She loved the outdoors, soaking up the sun whenever she could. She especially loved the patio that her husband had built for her. She loved music and researching her family's genealogy. Mel was always there for family and friends and would support them however she could, making it her mission to enrich and improve the lives of others. She was there for her many great nieces and great nephews by attending sporting events and dances, and also just to give life advice.
Mel was an incredibly devoted mother of two beautiful children, Charleigh and Evelyn, who she loved with all her heart. Mel lived her life for her children and was passionate about giving them and her husband the best life she could possibly give. She loved Charleigh's devotion to sports, spending many days together on the softball field and basketball courts. She loved Evelyn's creativity in being a princess and how she lights up the room with her smile. She was so excited to take them to Disney World in the fall with Jacob that she couldn't keep it a surprise. She cherished her girls' love for each other and was so proud of what they were already accomplishing in life.
Mel will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Jacob Ellison; two beautiful children: Charleigh and Evelyn; three siblings: Shelly (Jerry) Klein, Cheryl (Phil) Alvesteffer, and Arthur (Sharon) Cory; eight nieces and nephews: Amber Gustinis, Chris Sandison, Hailey Sandison, Tyler Sandison, Vincent Alvesteffer, Olivia Alvesteffer, Adele Cory, and Heath Cory; eleven great nieces and great nephews: Paeten, Jayden, Ali, Hunter, Brenna, Krew, Gracyn, Jack, Maizey, Braxton, and Isodora; father in-law: Ron (Holly) Ellison; mother in-law: Melissa (Will) Semkiw; brother in-law, Zack Ellison; aunt, JoAnn Maguire; uncle, Leo Maguire; and several cousins and close friends.
A ROSARY will be prayed at 4:30 PM on Friday, August 16, 2024, at The Ravenna Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 3570 Thomas St, Ravenna, MI, 49451, with VISITATION to follow from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM. A FUNERAL SERVICE will be held on Saturday, August 17, at 11:00 AM at St. Catherine's Catholic Church, 12236 Heights Ravenna Rd, Ravenna, MI 49451, with visitation an hour prior. In lieu of flowers, please consider making memorial contributions towards her daughters' education funds (checks may be made out to Jacob Ellison, 14194 Red Pine Dr, Kent City, MI, 49330). Please sign the family's online guestbook and share memories with the family at sytsemafh.com