- Ellen Lottie Merchant, 95, a life-long resident of Traverse City, passed away Sunday, April 06, 2014 at The Grand Traverse Pavilions.

Ellen was born on Friday, June 7, 1918 to the late Emmet and Eva Mary Jane (Luplow) Durga in Long Lake Township. She married Richard Harrison Merchant on Saturday, October 5, 1940 in Elk Rapids and they celebrated 47 years of marriage prior to his death. Together they made a home for their six children in Traverse City.

A member and past president of the Eagles #383 Auxiliary, Ellen also joined her circle of women friends to play cards, which she thoroughly enjoyed. Ellen will always be remembered for her gift of caring for others. From grandchildren, to parents, family, friends and others, Ellen took them all in to her home, caring for them, feeding them and meeting whatever needs they might have. Affectionately known as Mom to everyone, she was more concerned about others than she was for herself. She always enjoyed celebrating family acheivements and loved her birthday celebrations, looking forward to each one from the age of 75 until her 95th birthday.

Ellen is survived by her children, Richard I. (Diane) Merchant, Robert E. Merchant, Glenn L. (Mary Ellen) Merchant, Joyce E. (Daniel) Tkach and Jane M. (Bernard) Kwiatkowski, all of Traverse City; 13 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandson and many nieces and nephews. Ellen was preceded in death by her husband, Richard on Nov. 12, 1987, by her parents, a daughter and son-in-law, Janet L. and LeRoy Buchanan and her siblings, Phoebe Haywood, Alvin Durga, Mable Durga, Emmet Durga, Jr., Amy Wallace, Theron Durga and Ivin Durga.

The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff of Grand Traverse Pavilions and to Hospice of Michigan for the wonderful care they provided to their Mom.

Visitation for Ellen will take place from 6 until 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 9 at The Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. The Funeral Service will begin at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 10, also at the funeral home, with long time family friend Rev. Richard Bartlett officiating. Burial will be in Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens.

For those considering a memorial contribution, the family would suggest Hospice of Michigan, 10850 E. Traverse Highway, Suite 1155, Traverse City, MI 49684 ( www.hom.org/donate ) or The Women's Breast Cancer Fund c/o Munson Healthcare Regional Foundation, 1150 Medical Campus Dr., Traverse City, MI 49684 ( www.munsonhealthcare.org/foundation )

Please share your favorite memories of Ellen with her family by way of her online guest book at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .

The family is being served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.