Ellen G Rich

Ellen Gloria Rich, 87, of Lakeport, died on Wednesday, January 27, 2021 in her home, surrounded by family.

She was born October 15, 1933 in Port Huron, MI. Ellen married Gerald E. Rich on June 11, 1955 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Port Huron.

Ellen was an avid reader and life-long member of the local library. Out of high school, she worked as a secretary at Mueller Brass. After her children reached school-age, she served many roles within the Port Huron School District, first as a lunch lady and later as a reading and math aide. Most notably, she worked as a school bus driver, which became a passion of hers and she continued to tell the stories of those days with great fondness.

Her passion of driving school buses prepared her for her travels with her late husband in their motorhome, traveling the country and wintering in Florida. She took great joy in cooking delicious meals that will be carried on in legends and she passed her passion on to her children and grandchildren. Ellen was the matriarch to a large family to whom she was affectionally known as Grammy; she was full of passion, resolute in her beliefs, and welcoming to everyone. She enjoyed the simple things, especially a cold beer with those closest to her.

Ellen is survived by her sister, Jean Forstner; five sons: David (Leslie) of Santa Fe, Darrin (Nancy) of Kimball, Dale (Elizabeth) of Charlevoix, Daniel (Tracy) of Lakeport, and Dennis (Patricia) of Calumet; thirteen grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by Gerald E. Rich, her husband of 58 years; mother, Kathleen Kromer; brothers, Gilbert Mix and Lee (Sonny) Middleton Jr.; sisters, Sandra Bowen and Carol A. Jacobs; and grandchildren, Ryan Rich and Jennifer Rich.

Private graveside services will be held at Burtchville Township Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be directed to McLaren Hospice or St. Clair County RESA Imagination Library Fund.

Arrangements are by Pollock-Randall Funeral Home. To send condolences, visit pollockrandall.com