Ella Marshall

Ella Sue Marshall, was born December 7th, 1929 along with her twin sister Ellen, to Jesse and Susan Hoak, of Flowerfield, Michigan. Ella passed away peacefully August 4th, 2023, the last survivor of eight siblings. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Alan and Judith Marshall of Ann Arbor, her closest niece Linda Porter, her cousins Joan Doxey and Yvonne Kreamalmayer, and many nieces and nephews.

She went to a one-room schoolhouse just down the street from her home, before attending Three Rivers High School, and told many stories of the fun and mischief her brothers and sisters had together.

Ella married Richard Marshall in 1951 and they had two children, Alan and his brother James, who died sadly young in a traffic accident. After the couple were divorced in 1966, Ella worked at many places to support her children, notably among them the Gibson Guitar Company and the Kalamazoo State Psychiatric Hospital, where she helped care for area children. She loved the challenge of learning the different jobs at Gibson even though they were tough and exacting. She was happiest helping others, as she did at the hospital.

After the children grew up, Ella learned to play golf, which she loved. She took many golf trips around the state and country with her lady golf buddies. She also was a good bowler, and loved to play cards and work puzzles. She was still regularly besting her son and daughter-in-law at dominos in her last summer, while having lunch in Ramona Park.

Her family would like to thank both Dr. David Schriemer, her long-time physician (and his staff), and the staff at Brookdale Memory Care of Portage for their amazing care of Ella in her declining years. As Ella wished, cremation has taken place. The family will announce a memorial service in the future. Those wishing to make a donation in Ella's name can do so to the Alzheimer's Association.