 DECEMBER 17 • 2020 | 51

E

thel R. (Kimmel) Ellis, 
100, of Ann Arbor, died 
Dec. 6, 2020, of non-
COVID natural causes, two 
weeks after her 100th birthday. 
Born in Detroit, she grew up 
in Royal Oak and attended the 
University of Michigan in Ann 
Arbor and Hillsdale College. 
She lived in Hillsdale, Mich., 
from 1941 to 1990. Ethel and 
her husband, Sheldon Ellis, 
who practiced law in Hillsdale, 
were widely known in the 
Hillsdale area and participated 
in numerous charitable, civic 
and social affairs. They retired 
to Ann Arbor in 1990. Sheldon 
died in 2013 and Ethel lived in 
Ann Arbor for the rest of her 
life.
Ethel was a wonderful cook, 
accomplished bridge player and 
dear friend to all who knew her. 

She would stop at a 
table in a restaurant 
and strike up a 
conversation with 
the diners, especially 
if they had young 
children with whom 
she could chat. She 
would freely talk 
with the people 
around her in line 
while shopping or entering a 
concert. She and Sheldon loved 
to eat out and quickly became 
friends with local restaurant 
servers, managers and owners. 
While living in Hillsdale, 
Ethel and Sheldon were fans 
of Hillsdale College football, 
attending home and away 
games. Until her final days, 
she devotedly watched and 
commented on U-M football 
and basketball games.

Ethel’s zest for life 
was equally matched 
by her love for her 
family. She was a 
devoted wife to 
Sheldon, took great 
pride and joy in her 
twin sons and their 
wives, and adored her 
grandson, Jonathan 
and his wife, Aly.
Mrs. Ellis was the cherished 
mother of twin sons, Dr. James 
Ellis (Dr. Jean Lawton) and Dr. 
Charles (Julie) Ellis, all of Ann 
Arbor; beloved grandmother 
of Jonathan (Aly) Ellis of South 
Orange, N.J.; dear sibling of 
brother, Dr. Bernard (the late 
Sally) Kimmel of West Palm 
Beach, Fla., and sister, Arvene 
“Kim” (the late Dr. M. Kenneth) 
Dickstein of West Bloomfield.
She was preceded in death 

by her husband of 72 years, 
Sheldon Ellis; sister, Sylvia 
(Sam) Goldstein; sister-in-
law, Shirley (Dr. Paul) Singer; 
and parents, Hilda and Louis 
Kimmel.
Interment was at Oakview 
Cemetery. Memorial 
contributions may be made 
to University of Michigan, 
Hillsdale County U of 
M Scholarship-302131, 
c/o Office of University 
Development, 3003 S. State 
St., Suite 9000, Ann Arbor, 
MI 48109, leadersandbest.
umich.edu; Food Gatherers, 
P
.O. Box 131037, Ann Arbor, 
MI 48113, foodgatherers.
org; or Arbor Hospice, 2366 
Oak Valley Drive, Ann Arbor, 
MI 48103, arborhospice.org. 
Arrangements by Ira Kaufman 
Chapel.

A Zest For Life

HEBREW
MEMORIAL
CHAPEL
Your Community Chapel
HebrewMemorial.org | 248.543.1622 | 800.736.5033 | 26640 Greenfield Rd, Oak Park, MI 48237

ENTERING OUR SECOND CENTURY 
OF CARING AND RESPECTFUL SERVICE

WE ARE THE COMMUNITY 
OWNED FUNERAL HOME

Our only motive is you and the 
dignifi
 ed care we provide your family 

Ethel R. Ellis

