Beverly Faye Ennis

Beverly Faye Ennis, 92, of Traverse City, went to be with the Lord on Monday, February 16, 2026, surrounded by her loving family and her beloved animals. Beverly was born on February 14, 1934, in Oak Park, Michigan, to the late Louis and Jessie (Aylsworth) Solem. At just 16 years old, while working as a car hop at Tony’s Drive-In in Troy, Michigan, she met the love of her life, Earl Ennis III. It was love at first sight. A friend joined them on their first date, but from that moment on, Beverly and Earl never looked back. They were married two years later and built a beautiful life together. On August 16, 2022 they celebrated their Platinum Wedding Anniversary. Beverly was only six years old when her mother passed away and she then went to live with her big sister, Carol. She and Carol later took care of their father who became ill and passed away when Beverly was 28. Beverly and her two sisters, Carol and Saidee attended school in Ferndale. She graduated in June 1952 from Troy Township High School. Earl signed her final report card. She worked for Michigan Bell as a telephone operator. Beverly and Earl lovingly raised four wonderful children: Earl IV “Skip,” Robin, Jane, and Joan. Family was the center of Beverly’s world. She was a devoted and supportive wife, standing faithfully beside Earl as he worked tirelessly in several business ventures throughout the years. One of their businesses was Ennis Building Co. Among other things, Earl built many single family homes, they lived in several. Skip, thought everyone moved every couple of years. In 1974, they moved north, where they purchased the Willowbrook Tea Room in Northport later adding an ice cream parlor and waterwheel. The Willowbrook also sold candles and antiques both which Beverly enjoyed shopping for. Also, in the 1970’s, with partners, they went on to build and operate the famous Skate World and Wildwood Lanes in Traverse City and established Port Sutton Condominiums and Marina in Suttons Bay. In 1980, they purchased a Peterbilt semi-truck and began the family owned and operated Ennis Trucking in Traverse City, with each semi proudly bearing the words “Trust in Jesus” on its cab. Beverly was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend who was deeply cherished by many. She had a lifelong passion for horses, which remained her number one love outside of her family. She also found great joy in gardening, celebrating the holidays, cooking and baking on her AGA stove and gathering her family together. Her home, especially her beloved family farm was her sanctuary. She made it a warm and welcoming place where everyone felt loved. She enjoyed sharing her faith with others and was a “prayer partner” to many. She was a very sentimental individual. The family knew she kept almost every greeting card she ever received and a lot of her children’s school work, but also HER grade school report cards, commencement folders for relatives, their War Rations Book, remembrance cards and even a postcard Earl sent her from CA before they were married. Her animals, especially her cherished cats and dogs, were like her children. She adored them and cared for them with the same tenderness she showed her family. Beverly will be dearly missed. She was strong-willed, loving, incredibly fair, and one of the hardest workers you could ever meet. Her legacy of love, faith, determination, and devotion to family will live on in all who knew her. Beverly is survived by her brother Gerald (Shirley) Solem of Empire, her children, son Earl “Skip” Ennis IV (Sharon) and daughter, Joan Williams (Donald “Jake”), all of Traverse City, eight grandchildren: Samantha, Sarah, Debra, Kelsey, Gina, Brandon, Don, and Jon, nine great grandchildren Elias, Philip, Lily, Hailey, Carter, Kate, Elliona, Tylar and Stevie and her devoted constant companions and protectors Prince and Mozart. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Earl of 70 loving years, her son, Robin Ennis, daughter, Jane Ball, her sisters Carol, Saidee, half-sisters Norma, Patti and Nancy, her niece (who was more like a sister) Carol Ann Halsey and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and so many loving animals. Beverly’s Celebration of life will take place at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home at 3pm, Saturday, February 28, 2026 with a visitation starting at 2pm. Visitation will also take place at the Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home on Friday, February 27, from 11 -2pm. Tributes can be shared on her page at reynolds-jonkhoff.com. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to your favorite veteran’s organization, animal rescue or a charity of your choice. Her family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Beverly Faye Ennis

February 14, 1934 - February 16, 2026