Ellen Marie Gillis

Ellen Marie (Rova) Gillis of Northville, Michigan passed away on May 3, 2024, at the age of 98. Born to Olga and Frank Rova, Finnish immigrants, in Detroit, Michigan; sister to predeceased Fred Rova. Ellen enjoyed a happy childhood and excelled in school, graduating from Cooley High School as a member of the National Honor Society. Upon graduating, Ellen had a wartime job cutting blueprints at General Motors in Detroit, later working as a legal secretary. She used her shorthand and excellent penmanship throughout her life. In 1946 Leo Gillis, home from serving in WWII as a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne division of the Army, spotted Ellen, a stunningly beautiful woman, on the Dexter bus and went home and told his mother he saw the woman he was going to marry. And they did on January 31, 1948. Together they lovingly welcomed 9 children into the world. Ellen had the uncanny ability of making each of her children feel they were special, never missing an opportunity to tell them they were loved and appreciated. Her family was her pride and joy. As adults, her children chuckled that it took her one minute upon meeting someone to tell them that she had 9 children. Music was very important in Ellen’s life. She sang in the school choir, around the house, and at family gatherings, as all enjoyed her beautiful, sweet voice. Ellen always said, “there’s a song for everything,” and it seemed she knew them all. She attributed her longevity to having purpose in life. Hers was to make another’s life better in some way each day. She fulfilled that purpose with immeasurable abundance. Known for her love, compassion, and good humor, wherever she went and whomever she met, she always exclaimed, “They’re such nice people.” Ellen was a resident angel on earth. Her radiance will never be forgotten. Ellen’s family thanks all the caregivers at Sunrise of Northville Senior Living. Predeceased by husband, Leo Gillis; survived by son, John (Bernadette Gillis); daughter, Vicki (Dick Gibson); daughter, Mary Ellen (Jan Stokosa); son, Frank; daughter, Laura (Bruce Ragain); son, Larry (Meg Gillis); daughter, Julie (Joe Buechel); daughter, Lynne (Rui Grangeiro); and daughter, Carol (Bill Klepsch);15 grandchildren and 14 greatgrandchildren. Visitation 3-7 pm Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at the O'Brien/Sullivan Funeral Home 41555 Grand River Ave Novi, MI 48375. Funeral Mass Wednesday, May 8, 2024, 11 am at St Kenneth Catholic Church 14951 N. Haggerty Rd. Plymouth, MI 48170 with visitation from 10 am until mass time. Interment Holy Sepulchre Catholic Cemetery, Southfield, MI. In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions may be directed to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation or Ruby's Rainbow.

Ellen Marie Gillis

November 7, 1925 - May 3, 2024