Timothy Ellis

1958 - 2025

Timothy Ellis

10/25/1958 - 11/10/2025

Timothy Ellis, 67, of Monroe, Michigan, passed away on Monday, November 10, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born on October 25, 1958, to Janice and Frederick Ellis III at St. V's in Toledo. Encouraged by both of his parents, Tim's love for music began at an early age. He attended Blessed Sacrament Catholic School and later graduated from Start High School in 1977.

At age 12, he picked up the banjo and never put it back down. At age 14, Tim won his first banjo contest at the Bozo Big Top Show in Flint, Michigan, earning a prize appearance on WSM's Midnight Jamboree, live at Ernest Tubb's Record Shop, where he was backed by Jean Shepard's band. The experience deepened his love of music, and he and his father traveled across Michigan, Ohio, and all over to attend countless bluegrass festivals.

Shortly after graduating, Tim joined Grand Ole Opry stars Jim and Jesse McReynolds and The Virginia Boys, touring across the U.S., Europe, and Japan, from 1977 to 1983. During that time, he recorded his first album, Banjo Serenade, produced by Jim and Jesse.

For Tim, music wasn't just a profession; it was his passion. Over his lifetime, he played with many talented artists including Lawrence Lane, The Hensleys: Flatland Grass, Eddie Boggs, Mac Wiseman, Vernon McIntyre's Appalachian Grass, Bob White & Candy Mountain Express, Wendy Smith & Blue Velvet, Freddie Harris, Joe Smith, Mitch Manns, Brian & Lisa Paige.

In 1998, Tim received the first of two kidney transplants at The Medical College of Ohio, which allowed him to continue fully living his life surrounded by music, family, and friends.

He was a longtime supporter of the T.H.A.N.K.S. Dinner in Ida, Michigan, where he played many times, and in 2018 he was inducted into the Southeast Michigan Bluegrass Music Association Hall of Fame.

Tim found joy working outdoors. He started out at Asplundh in Toledo, trimming trees, and eventually joined the City of Monroe's Forestry Department, where he dedicated more than two decades of service. He was a lifelong classic car enthusiast who loved shining up his rides and heading to car shows with his dad and son. Among his favorites were "Jasper," his 1974 Monte Carlo, a 1948 Ford truck, and Marauder.

Tim's gentle faith guided the way he lived: humble, kind, and full of gratitude. He saw beauty in simple things: a good song, a quiet drive, time with family, and his wife's cooking.

Tim is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Roxanne (Kleinow) Ellis; his son, Preston Ellis; his daughter, Anastasia Ellis (Dan Ortiz); and his grandson, Ethan. He is also survived by his mother, Janice Ellis; and his sister, Peggy Ellis; along with many special friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Frederick Ellis III.

Friends may gather from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., on Monday, November 17, 2025, and from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe, 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162, (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of His Life will take place at 11:00 a.m., on Tuesday, at Merkle's.

In lieu of flowers, the family is establishing the Tim Ellis Banjo Scholarship in his honor.

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