Dora Jane Ellis, 90, of Coldwater passed away on Friday, October 30, 2015, at Maple Lawn Medical Care Facility in Coldwater, Michigan.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Friday, November 6, 2015, at Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater. Visitation will take place from 2:00 until 3:00 p.m., prior to the memorial service at Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater.

Dora Jane was born June 3, 1925, to Norman and Wave (DeMass) Carlson Sr., in Chesterton, Indiana.

She married James Ellis on November 25, 1945, in Chesterton, Indiana. They were married 63 years until Jim’s death on October 18, 2008.

Dora Jane and Jim came to Branch County in 1956 from Chesterton, Indiana, and purchased a farm around Bingham Lake. She was an excellent homemaker to her family as she enjoyed gardening and baking. She was famous for her sweet rolls. Dora Jane was active as a Sunday School teacher at Lockwood Community Church and also as a member at Pine Ridge Bible Church. She volunteered with the Pioneer Girls, Awana, Branch District Library in the Heritage Room and with CHC Home Health and Hospice. Dora Jane also was a 4-H leader in Branch County.

Dora Jane is survived by her children; Larry (Julie) Ellis of Marshall, Michigan, Bruce (Judy) Ellis of Coldwater, Michigan, Susan “Sam” (Tom) Greenburg of Coldwater, Michigan, Lynne Wilson of Battle Creek, Michigan, and Robert Ellis of Vicksburg, Michigan; her seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and her brother Norman Carlson Jr.

Memorials may be directed to Animal Aid of Branch County, Branch Area Food Pantry or the Branch District Library.

Posted 11/3/2015