Ella Kellett

Ellamarie Kellett (Foubister), 87, of Traverse City, passed away Oct. 31, 2019. She was born Nov. 2, 1931 in Jefferson City, Missouri, the daughter of Arthur and Leona (Hoffman) Foubister. After meeting her future husband, Donald Kellett, at a service club in Jefferson City, Missouri the couple married on Nov. 23, 1952 in Montgomery County, Maryland. At this time, Donald was completing Officer Candidate School. At the time of Donald's tour of duty in Korea the couple moved to Clawson, where Ella had to be introduced to her in-laws, learn how to drive, set up an apartment and find employment. Upon Donald's welcomed return, the family began to grow; they eventually welcomed four sons into their family. Early on, Ella was a dedicated mother to her family as a stay-at-home mom. Over the years, Ella treated her kids to summers at the cottage. The family also was known to take cross country trips in the family camper. Ella also worked in the family plumbing business and was known for her sense of style in fashion and home décor. She was fondly known as "Mother Bird." In 1977 the family moved from Troy to Traverse City. Once the kids were grown and settled, they began to winter in Florida. Ella is survived by her loving husband, Donald Ridge Kellett; sons, Jeffrey (Pamela), David (Deborah), Bradley (Britney) and Kurt Kellett; 13 grandchildren; and 16 greatgrandchildren. Ella was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Richard Foubister and Carolyn (Foubister) Willis. Ella's family extends sincere appreciation for the services of Holli Homecare during the last few years of Ella's life. A funeral service honoring Ella's life will be held Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, 12 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 6105 Center Road, Traverse City, MI 49686. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service at church and Friday, Nov. 8, 2019, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 Sixth St., Traverse City, MI 49684. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association or to First Congregational Church. Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services is caring for Ella and her family.

Ella Kellett

November 2, 1931 - October 31, 2019