Mary Ellen Carr, 80, of Traverse City passed away Sunday, April 20, 2014 at Munson Hospice House in Traverse City.

Mary Ellen was born on Friday, September 15, 1933 to the late John and Frances (Straka) Rademaker in Phillips, WI. She married Ramon E. Carr on Saturday, February 7, 1959 in Traverse City. He preceded her in death in 1991.

A resident of Traverse City since 1975, Mary Ellen had been an operator for Bell Telephone/Ameritech prior to her retirement. She enjoyed reading and traveling and spending time with her grandchildren.

She is survived by her children, Joseph "Tim" (Diane) Carr of Acton, CA, Sandra (Kenneth) Lindsey of Alsip, IL, Daryl (Shelley) Carr of Cadillac; grandchildren, Melissa and Kenneth Lindsey, Christopher and Wyatt Carr and Chad, Brooke and Justin Carr. Also surviving is her brother, Lynn (Carol) Szpek of Minneola, FL, her former daughter in law Lisa Carr of Fife Lake and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, Mary Ellen was preceded in death by her parents and a brother Ralph Rademaker.

A gathering to celebrate Mary Ellen's life will take place Thursday, April 24 between 4 and 6 p.m. at The Cottage, 472 Munson Ave., Traverse City.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Operation Christmas Child, c/o Samaritan's Purse, P. O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607-3000 or online at www.samaritanspurse.org .

Please share your favorite memories of Mary 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.