Ellen L. Pearson's Obituary
Ellen L. Pearson, age 100 and 4 months, went home to be with her Savior on Thursday, January 26, 2023. Ellen was born on September 20, 1922, in Woodville, Michigan, to William and Syrenia (Belile) DeVowe, the second of six children. During her early years, the family lived on farms but moved to Fruitport in the 1930s. During WWII, Ellen worked at Brunswick, where she met her future husband, John Pearson. They were married on August 10, 1946 and John passed on January 30, 1987. Ellen remained in the home they bought when first married until 2005, when she moved to the Villages at Park Terrace, where she remained until October of 2022. She and John had two daughters, Judy and Linda, thus making their family complete. Ellen enjoyed having her family near her. Having them come over for Sunday dinner and holidays was something she enjoyed doing. She was a longtime member of Lakeside Baptist Church where she served as deaconess. She was an excellent gardener and could grow beautiful flowers even in the most challenging soil. Her trips to Traverse City and Mackinac Bridge were always a fun time for herself, her mother, sister and sisters-in-law. In later years, she took up knitting and crocheting and made blankets, sweaters, hats and scarves for her great-grandchildren. Her grandchildren brought her great joy and she held a very close bond with each of them. In turn, they grew to have a wonderful relationship with her, and they all loved her dearly. After a long, full and love filled life, her passing brings sadness but also gratefulness for the many years we had with her. Ellen is survived by her daughters, Judy (Nick) Koning and Linda Maher; six grandchildren, Chris (Jill) Koning, Jennifer (Jacob) Hoogendyk, Rebecca (Jamie) Geysbeek, Kelley (Mike) Brickley, Rich (Morgan) Maher and Stephanie Maher; along with 16 great-grandchildren, Florica, Jesse, Syrena, Eliza, Marta, William, Wesley, Nora, Evelyn, June, Harrison, Jack, Joey, Eloise, Max and Jared; and a special friend, Tom Nolan, who she called the son she never had. Ellen was preceded in death by her son-in-law, Dick Maher; great-grandson, Luke Brickley; and five siblings, Neomi, Margaret, Burt, Myrle and Don. Her family wishes to express their gratefulness to the staff at SKLD Muskegon for their excellent care and kindness during her short stay there. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, February 6, 2023 at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444. A visitation with the family will be held one-hour prior at the funeral home. Memorial contributions in Ellen’s honor can be directed to the Muskegon Rescue Mission. Share memories with the family at www.sytsemafh.com.
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