Ellen Marie Farkas was born in Detroit May 25, 1917 and was called peacefully home to Our Lord Dec 23, 2015 surrounded by her loving children.

She was predeceased by her husband of 62 years, Andy Farkas, former All-Pro Washington Redskin, her first born Joseph, her parents Vincent and Mildred Ryan, siblings, Patricia Swanson, Gertrude Dolin, V.J. Jack Ryan, Michael Ryan, son-in-laws John Valerio and Richard Russell.

Ellen is survived by her sister Mary Lou English of Sacramento California, her 6 children, Rosellen Valerio of Traverse City, Mickey (Marianne) Farkas of Livonia, Cecilia Russell of Bloomfield, Andrea (Donald) Halstead of Kalamazoo, Timothy (Joan) Farkas of Midland, and Andy (Mary Ellen) Farkas, Jr. of Traverse City. She is also survived by her grandchildren Michelle Callaghan, Christopher, Tony and Ryan Valerio; Katie Gates, Michael, David and Brian Farkas, Bridget McClean, Kevin Russell, Rosemary McDaniel, Stephanie Gathman, Tim Farkas, Amie Grayson, Donny, Andrew and Michael Halstead, Brian, Danny, Craig, Patrick Farkas, Julie Witkowski, Sean Farkas.

In addition, Ellen and Andy have 55 great grandchildren. Ellen met Andy who was a patient of hers at the old Providence Hospital in Detroit. She was a graduate of Providence Hospital School of Nursing and was Past President of the Alumni Association. She was on the Detroit Catholic Central Mothers' Club, she taught catechism to migrant workers, was involved with the Great Book Society, and took the Pilgrim Virgin Devotion to many homes and was very active with the Michigan Right to Life. Viewing will be 4 - 8 PM with a 7pm Rosary on Sunday Dec 27 at The Reynolds - Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 6th St Traverse City, MI 49684. The Celebration of the Eucharist Mass will be at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Elk Rapids, MI on Monday Dec 28, 2015 at 10am. Burial will take place at the Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in her name to Michigan Right to Life, Hospice of Michigan and Capuchin Monastery of Detroit. Kindly share thoughts and memories with Ellen's family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com . The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.