Bobbie Ellens

Bobbie Jo Ellens, a proud Pisces, was born on March 8, 1942 and lived until the age of 78. She passed away on May 26, 2020. She was happy to have lived her entire life on the corner of 4 mile and Pettis; both at the Ellens’ Farmhouse (est. 1908) and directly across the street. Because of the loving support from her children, LaRay and Rocky, she got her last wish which was to die in her family home. Bobbie Jo attended a one-room school house, Moffit Hill Elementary, where she made lifelong friends. She was a 1960 graduate from Rockford High School and always had a strong academic ability, but she considered her biggest accomplishment as her ability to befriend anyone and everyone. After graduating with an Associate's Degree from Western Michigan University, she spent much of her career working in the dental profession, often as the office manager ensuring in the success of operations. She was known for her people skills, patience, and her contagious smile. Her favorite hobbies involved flower gardening and antiquing; a walk around the farmhouse reflected these eccentric interests. However, her greatest pride and joy was being "Gram-E" to her four grandchildren; Thomas, Aaron, Sam, and Elizabeth; each of them holding a special place in her heart. Lasting lessons she taught and lived were that "the most valuable thing you have is your word" and that "your rights end where another's begin." She was married to Ray Beckett for 25 years and they were lifelong friends. They had two children, Rocky Ray and LaRay Jo. Bobbie Jo is survived by Rocky Beckett (Julie Thomas-Beckett, his wife) and their children Aaron and Elizabeth Beckett; LaRay Bonney (Bill Bonney, her husband) and their children, Thomas and Sam Bonney; Ray Beckett; brother-in-law Don DeWald; her ‘soul-sister’ Mary Schumaker (Mike, Jenny and Jamie Schumaker); and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her revered parents/teachers-- Robert and Ida (Foster) Ellens, her sister and brother-in-law Betty Lou and Frank Porter, and sisters-- Elaine Ellens and Lois DeWald. Alzheimer's Disease took her memory but it did not take her grace, beauty, kindness or trusting spirit. Even near the end, she said, "I'm so glad you're here." We would say the same about her life. Her last words were "Thank you." We say the same to her. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Hospice of Holland or Meals on Wheels of Western Michigan in her honor. The family is planning a memorial service for a future date. https://www.hollandhospice.org/ https://mealsonwheelswesternmichigan.org/