Mary Ellen Eckler

Born August 13, 1932, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the daughter of Theodore and Marie (Boss) Fryfogle, Mary Ellen was raised there and graduated in 1950 from East Grand Rapids High School. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan and remained a devoted life-long fan of U of M sports. She also earned a Master’s in Education from Eastern Michigan University, to advance her extensive career as an elementary school teacher.

Mary Ellen was a committed public elementary school teacher in the Plymouth, MI school system. She taught there for nearly 30 years before retiring in 1985, and often assumed leadership roles in her profession, such as MEA Teacher’s Union President, and membership in the American Association of University Women (AAUW) and Business and Professional Women’s (BPW) organizations.

She volunteered regularly in her community, including the First Presbyterian Church,

Marquette Historical Society, the Michigammee Historical Society, the Marquette Warming Center, D.J. Jacobetti Veterans Center, Beacon House, and UPAWS. Her interests included flower gardening, reading, drawing, painting, and crossword puzzles.

Where you knew her as Mary Ellen, Mom, Ma, or Grandma, she is remembered as a kind person who cared deeply for so many. She loved nature and animals especially; she was clever, witty, smart, and fun, with a great sense of humor. She cared deeply for the friends and family she leaves behind, and it is hoped you will remember her with a smile.

Mary Ellen is survived by her two children, William (Rae Ann) Knopf of Yorktown, VA

and Katherine (Leroy) Snooks of Farwell, MI; grandson, Ryan (Ioana) Knopf of Woburn,

MA; and sister, Kay (Herb) Sherrow of Richardson, TX. She was preceded in death by

her parents and husband, Dwight Eckler.

Honoring Mary’s wishes, no services will be held.

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is assisting the family

where memories may be shared at fassbenderswansonhansen.com