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Virginia “Ann” Ely, age 88, passed away on Thursday, February 22, 2024 at Optalis Health and Rehab in Three Rivers.
She was born February 6, 1936 at home on Butler Road in Centreville, a daughter to Seth and Della (Bronstetter) Brown.
Ann was a Centreville High School Graduate with the class of 1954.
She married Howard Ely on July 25, 1954 in Centreville. They were happily married for nearly 32 years before Howard was called home to be with the Lord.
Ann liked to knit and crochet, and she was an avid reader of mysteries. Most of all she loved being a mother and taking care of her family, whether it be canning from the gardens, pickling, cooking, or baking, she put her love into all of it. She was a phenomenal cook; her beef stew and lasagna were delicious. Her oatmeal chocolate chip peanut cookies will be remembered forever. Ann passed these culinary skills down to her family and her memory will live on in their cooking. She cared about everyone, it wasn’t uncommon to have 30 neighborhood kids playing outside her house, because everyone felt at home. People could count on her. Howard and Ann’s house was full of love, their kids were so important to them. She loved her family, especially her two grandsons. They kept her young and she loved going to their band events.
Ann is survived by children: Douglas (Debra) Ely of Constantine, Thomas Ely of Three Rivers, Brian Ely of Three Rivers, and Patricia (Frank) Meudt of Three Rivers; Grandsons: Adam and Seth Meudt of Three Rivers; Sisters-in-law: Laura Quarandillo of Newaygo, MI and Betty Grunert of Texas; as well as several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard Ely; infant son Jeffrey Ely; Sons: Kenneth Ely, Gerald Ely and Steven Ely; Siblings: Richard, Barbara and Dorothy.
The family will receive guests on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, from 11:00AM to 1:00 PM at Ray Funeral Services. Following the visitation there will be a service at 1:00 at the funeral home. Pastor Michael Owen will officiate the service. Immediately following the service interment will occur at Riverside Cemetery in Three Rivers.
Those wishing to make a memorial donation in Ann’s honor please consider The American Heart Association.
Ray Funeral Services, 305 Rock River Ave., Three Rivers, MI 49093, 269-278-1515, has been entrusted with the care of Ann. Please visit www.rayfuneralservices.com to Gather and share in Ann’s memory with stories and memories to support the family at this time.
