Florence Ellis

Florence Marie Ellis December 31, 1928-September 18, 2017 Mrs. Florence Marie Ellis, 88, of LaPorte, Indiana, went to heaven Monday, September 18, 2017 after a short term illness. She was socially active, residing at Golden Living, I St. the last 3 1/2 years where she established an extended family. A colon cancer survivor of eleven years, Florence was born December 31, 1928 in Finley, Ohio, to the late Farrish Joseph and Vena (VanderPool) Joseph. Florence graduated from Vanlue High School in Ohio in 1945, being the oldest of eight, she tended to her siblings. After graduation, she was a factory worker at RCA in Monticello, IN for six years, then American Rubber in LaPorte through retirement. As a devoted mother, she took a break from work for three years, when each of her sons Jimmy and Joe were born. Florence was known as "Flo", not Flossy as she would let you know. She was strong-willed and independent all her life. After high school through marriage, Flo roomed and double-dated, (dancing nights away to big band music at former Ideal Beach in Monticello) with long-time friend Ida Mullins, keeping in touch for over 70 years. In 1971 she independently surprised her family by purchasing a cottage on Lake Shafer. For years it served as a gathering place for friends and family with enough food and drink for an army. Flo was known for her old-fashioned cooking and homemade fudge. She traveled with Emil to Europe, the Orient, Hawaii (twice), Las Vegas (many times), and other places nationwide. Flo was sure to bring a laugh to everyone she met. Her smile was contagious to the end. Family was the most important thing of all to Flo by showering her unconditional love and generosity with time and things. On September 22, 1951, in Reynolds, Indiana, she married Emil Lyle Ellis who preceded her in death March 13, 1995. She is survived by her son, Joseph S. (Jill) Ellis of LaPorte, IN; four grandchildren, Todd (Whitney) Ellis, Brittney Ellis, Jamie Ellis, Jacob Ellis all of LaPorte, IN; two great-grandchildren, Haylee Perry Ellis, Hazel Perry Ellis; five sisters, Helen Cline of Fayetteville, NC, Pauline Gehrmann of Kokomo, IN, Ruth Mann of Peru, IN, Carolyn Joseph of Ft.Lauderdale, FL, Pamela Buckmaster of LaPorte, IN.. Florence was preceded in death by her son, James Craig Ellis; sister, Jean Whidden, and brother Carl Joseph. Arrangements are being entrusted to Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 602 Maple Ave., La Porte, IN where the family will receive friends Friday, September 22, 2017, from 5:00 pm 8:00 pm and Saturday, September 23, 2017 from 9:00 am, until time of service. A life celebration will be held at Haverstock Funeral Home, Inc., Saturday September 23, 2017 at 10:00 am with Pastor Jeff Zigler officiating. Interment will follow at the Pine Lake Cemetery, LaPorte, Indiana. Memorial contributions may be made to the: LaPorte First Church of God, 2020 E. Lincolnway, LaPorte, Indiana 46350 Online condolences may be made at www.haverstockfuneralhome.com. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Florence Marie Ellis please visit our Sympathy Store.