Mary Ann Ellis, 88 of Merrill passed away on Sunday May 25, 2025, at Aspirus Hospital Palliative Care in Wausau.

Mary Ann was born 11/19/36 in Waukesha Wisconsin to

Charles Hilkens and Eva Schoerner. She married Richard Ellis Sr in Waukon, IA on January 30,1954.

Mary Ann was a homemaker, short order cook at the Black Bear Restaurant in Medford and worked at Weinbrenner Shoe Company in Merrill.

She enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting, gardening, cooking for large groups and spending time with her

seven children and her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She made homemade gifts for everyone

and lap blankets for 3 hospitals and 3 nursing homes despite being almost totally blind. She taught many people to cook, bake, preserve food, butcher and fillet fish along with many crafts and life skills.

Mary Ann is survived by daughter Roxanne Wirtz (Thomas). Sons: Richard Ellis JR, Bert Ellis, Jeff (Teressa) Ellis, Jayson Ellis (Vickie), Clay Ellis (Cheryl), Tracy Ellis.

She was preceded in death by husband Richard Ellis, sister Sue Ebert, stepson Gary Ellis, step

daughter Debra Ellis of El Reno Oklahoma. Grandchildren Jeremy Ellis, Micayla Ellis, Joshua Ellis, and Anthony Moser.

A memorial service to be held at St Stephen's United Church of Christ in Merrill on July 12,2025.

Visitation starts at 1:00 pm. with the service starting at 2:00 p.m.

Mid-Wisconsin Cremation Society is assisting the family at this time; online condolences can be expressed at MWCS.WS.