Michele Ann Ellis
BIG BAY, MI – Michele Ann Ellis, 57, of Big Bay, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, May 2, 2026 in the care of her loving family and Lake Superior Life Care & Hospice. She was welcomed by family, and friends that have gone before her after a courageous battle with cancer.
Michele was born December 17, 1968 in Marquette to Robert and Marlene (Juchemich) Burns and was raised in Marquette. She met the love of her life, Loy Ellis, and together they raised their family in Big Bay. Michele’s main focus was being a dedicated mother to her children; Donald, Ashley, Cassie and Brittany.
Michele had a variety of jobs throughout her career. She worked at the school, bartended at The Lumberjack Tavern, and at Crams General Store, known for her famous pasties. Michele also took pride in helping others, caregiving to many people struggling with illness. She loved to cook, hunt, go to the beach, rock hunting, and served as a tour guide to anyone who was unfamiliar with Big Bay and the surrounding areas. She loved all sorts of music, especially classic rock n’ roll. Above all, Michele would give the shirt off of her back for anyone, loved spending time with her family, especially her beloved ten grandchildren whom she adored.
Surviving are her husband and the love of her life, Loy Ellis, of Big Bay; her father, Robert (Mabel) Burns of Marquette; three daughters: Ashley (Jeremy) Spilman of Spearfish, South Dakota, Cassie Ellis of Big Bay, and Brittany Ellis of Harvey; ten beloved grandchildren: Kylie, Brett, Conner, Drayven, Hunter, Joshua, Cooper, RaeLynn, Colton, and Blake; one sister, Debra (Mike) Westcott of Cheboygan; two brothers: Rick (Brandy) Burns of Friendship, Wisconsin, and Doug Burns of Cheboygan; three sister-in-law’s: Doris (Stephen) Childers of Big Bay, Sheila (Tim) Leahy of Big Bay, and Barb (Lou) Wallin of Holland; special friend: Gerald Beerman III, and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Marlene (Juchemich) Burns; her son, Donald J. Fassbender Jr.; two brothers-in-law: Robert Ellis and John Carlson; one sister-in-law: Cheryl (Ellis) Girard; and her faithful dog, Sarge.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Noon on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at Koskey Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to https://gofund.me/3411593aa in Michele’s memory.
Her memorial page may be viewed at koskeyfuneralhome.com