Steven Ellis

Steven Wayne Ellis, 70, of Kalamazoo, MI, passed away peacefully on July 14, 2024, surrounded by his family. Born on November 30, 1953, in Muncie, IN, he was the son of Clarence Wayne Ellis Jr. and Freda "Freddie" May Ellis. Steve was a loving and dedicated family man, survived by his loving wife, Roxanne Ellis who he was married to for 48 years; children, Kara (Matt) Hughes, Kris (Ann Paradise) Ellis, Kate (Rod) Leversee, and Kurt (Amy) Ellis; grandchildren, Cameron, Amelia, Walker, Brody, Lennon, Beau, and Sydney; beloved cousin, Mike Corson, who was like a brother to him; his mother-in-law, June Edgar; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Susan Collins.

Steve graduated Southside High School in 1972 before attending college where he ultimately graduated from Ball State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business and Economics. He furthered his education at the University of Illinois, obtaining an MBA in Labor Relations. His professional life was marked by a successful 32-year career at Consumers Energy, where he worked in the Human Resources department at multiple locations throughout Michigan.

During his time at Ball State, Steve met the love of his life Roxanne. They met through mutual friends, Dana and Susie, while they each were dating other people. A few weeks later, they were both in Dana and Susie's wedding party and quickly realized they were meant for each other. 6 weeks after, Steve popped the question on the way home from a Notre Dame football game (which ND won). They were married 7 months later. When they told Steve’s mom about the engagement she said she was not surprised since she met, dated, and married Steve’s dad all within two weeks. They celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary this past May.

Steve was an active member of St. Thomas More Parish. He had a lifelong passion for sports, having played football, basketball, and track (lettering in all three in high school), and later taking up hockey. An avid fan of the Chicago Cubs and Notre Dame, he enjoyed attending games and sharing these experiences with others. Retirement allowed him more time to travel, visiting loved ones, exploring new parks and beaches, and spending time outdoors. Some of Steve's favorite local parks were Pilgrim Haven Natural Center and Wolf Lake Fish Hatchery. He cherished the many fishing trips he went on throughout Michigan, Canada, and northern Indiana. His family shared his love of sports and the outdoors.

Steve had the innate ability to light up a room with his charisma which drew people towards him. He never shied away from engaging with friends, family or strangers alike. He was a natural leader who inspired and motivated those around and was never shy to tell those he loved to, “Make good choices, use your head.” He had many acronyms which will be carried on for generations. He enjoyed spending time with friends and family, hosting gatherings and enjoying good cheer. Steve had a close circle of friends throughout the years that he treasured along with his family which was always number one to him. His four children learned from him how to live with love, integrity, responsibility and joy.

Please join us at a Life Story Visitation where food, drinks and stories will be shared on Thursday, July 18, 2024 from 6-8 PM at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Dr, Kalamazoo, MI 49009. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 11 AM on Friday, July 19, 2024 at St. Thomas More Student Parish. The family kindly requests that, in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to Centrica Care Navigators. Celebrate Steve's life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on his dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com.

Steve-isms:

Getcha some

Have a two piece

Lord Jesus please (LJP)

Halt the clapper

Helps yourself

Use that thing on your shoulders

Cardiac torpedoes

Porfa my vino

God’s country

SOA

Keno

PFM

Code yellow

Si my nachos

Take a chill pill thrill

Cinnamon-mon-mon-mon

Supreme Allied Commander (Roxanne)

Hide the cashews

How’s the bayou?

This too shall pass

S’more-gis-board

Grazing post

Chit-man

MJB

Make good choices, use your head

She gone

A think about

What do you think (comma) Steve

Three questions

Hope to kiss a pig so