Ellen Marie Woodrow

Funeral services will be at 11:30 A.M., Saturday, July 16, 2011 at The Runge Mortuary. Visitation will be held from 9:30 – 11:30 A.M. prior to the service at the Mortuary. Interment will be in Davenport Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to Harbor Hospice. Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting Ellen’s obituary at www.therungemortuary.com.

She was preceded in death by her husband of forty-two years, Richard M. Woodrow in September 2010. She was born Ellen Marie Powers, the third of four children to Florence and Edward Powers in DePue, IL. Ellen graduated from high school, went on to cosmetology school and eventually married Ralph M. Wortz in January 1941. Ellen is survived by their two daughters, Judith (Wortz) Ball (Randy) of Spring Lake, MI and Devon (Wortz) Carter (Joseph) of San Rafael, CA; grandchildren Andrew Ball, Maya and Lisabella Carter; her sister Betty Calhoun of Long Beach, CA; several nieces and nephews; step-children Dorinda Axne (Steve) of Peoria, IL; Christine Andon of Moline, IL, Stephen Woodrow (Susan) of Broken Arrow, OK and their children and grandchildren.

Ellen and Richard spent many companionable years living and traveling throughout the west and southwest, settling in the Phoenix, AZ area. They returned to Illinois for a few years before moving to Muskegon, MI to be closer to Ellen’s family. Ellen’s focus in life was caring for her family which led her to become an accomplished cook who loved to collect and try new recipes. She remained interested in cooking and food preparation up until her death, regularly following her favorite Food Network chefs. She passed on her creativity and talent in cooking to her children and grandchildren. Ellen held fast to her Christian faith that carried her through life’s difficult experiences. Ellen’s family is forever grateful to the caring staff of Seminole Shores Assisted Living Center, Sanctuary at the Shore and Harbor Hospice.