April 10, 1932 — February 3, 2024
Evelyn Lucille Ely was the second of six children born to Boyd Wiborn and Leta Marie Johnson: on April 10, 1932, at home in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
Evelyn married her high school sweetheart, Joseph H. Ely Senior, on December 25, 1951, while Joe was on leave from serving in the U.S. Navy. Evelyn spent several years living between Michigan and California while he completed his assignment in the Navy.
Once Joe’s tour of duty was completed, they moved to Portage, Kalamazoo County, Michigan followed by many years in Battle Creek before moving to Grayling in 1969. Together they raised two daughters and one son, I do not think any of us children were happy to make that move north, but in the end, the little town won us over.
We were fortunate to have had a stay-at-home mother, she was a great cook, seamstress and kept an immaculate home. We came home from school to afternoon snacks of homemade cookies and milk, but the limit was three cookies each.
Evelyn passed peacefully at home surrounded by her loved ones, Saturday, February 3, 2024.
Evelyn was predeceased by her parents Boyd and Leta, her husband Joe (Archie) the love of her life, one brother Edward Wiborn, three sisters Barbara Wiborn, Shirley Holister and Grace Wiborn, and a cherished grandson Gregory Petrie. One sister Janet survives her. She will be greatly missed by her family, Ruth and Fred Koci, Joseph and Joyce Ely and Kay and David Petrie; nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Also, long time family friend Pete Kocefas.
As Joe Senior would say “Ain’t that right, Evelyn?”
Evelyn’s family will receive guests Saturday, March 23, 2024 from 12:00 PM until the time of the memorial service at 3:00 PM at Sorenson-Lockwood Funeral Home in Grayling, Michigan.
Condolences can be shared at www.sorensonlockwood.com
Arrangements entrusted to Sorenson-Lockwood Funeral Home.
