Ellen Jean Eckler
For this God is our God for ever and ever:
he will be our guide even unto death.
PSALM 48:14
Obituary
Ellen Jean Eckler, born on November 22, 1950, in Ypsilanti, MI, passed away in Gaylord, MI on November 13, 2025. She was a devoted Licensed Practical Nurse who dedicated many years to caring for others and often volunteered with many charitable organizations. Ellen is survived by her daughter, Deana (Shawn) Bess of Arkansas, brothers Dennis (Cindy) Eckler of Grawn and David (Tracy) Post of South Lyon, and sisters Sue Zenner of Traverse City, Gracie Dailey of Plainville, Sally Hamel of Walled Lake, Janeen Slider of Virginia, and Stacy (Alan) Tanski of Florida. Ellen was preceded in death by her parents and sister Beth Anne Gibson.
Ellen loved nature and found joy in fishing, gardening, and spending time outdoors.
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November 19, 2025
Ellen was my Mom. Her life and her death have taught me many things but I think the most important thing was to love anyway. I like to remember her when she was what I call Chocolate Chip Cookie Mom, cooking dinner for me in my apartment when she came to visit, grilling steak at the lake in Grayling, and fishing off the dock there. And yes, she made really good Chocolate Chip Cookies! I remember she liked to take me to the park when I was little and we would spin around on a merry go round and play on the see-saw. She made wonderful spaghetti and rice crispy treats. She really tried to teach me to like asparagus but that took a while; later in life, I learned to grow and love it! Also some years ago I saw her in a vision where she was sitting on the porch of a little cabin, drinking tea, and enjoying her flowers. I love you Momma.
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Ellen Eckler
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What was Ellen's favorite Travel destination?
Wherever Deana was!
What was Ellen's favorite way to exercise?
Hiking and Walking
Donate
In honor of Ellen, we invite you to contribute to Friendship Centers of Emmet County (https://emmetcoa.org) or her church family at Family of Christ Church in Petoskey, MI ( www.focpetoskey.org).
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