Ellen Holt

Ellen W. (Otte) Holt, age 101, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2026. Ellen was born on December 21, 1924, in Kalamazoo, MI the daughter of Milferd and Cecelia Otte. She was a graduate of Kalamazoo Central High School and then went on to work at Michigan Bell Telephone Company as an operator for many years. She married Cloyd J. Holt in 1946 after he returned from World War II where he served for 4 years in the Pacific. She then dedicated her life to keeping their home and raising their three children.

The name "Ellen" means shining light, and she was the bright shining light of her family. Ellen was a caring and generous soul who found great joy in serving her family and in giving to and encouraging others. Many friends and family members received heartfelt notes of love and encouragement from her. She was an active member of Oakwood Bible Church and loved her church family.

She was an avid knitter and expressed her love for her family through many knitted sweaters, hats, scarves and mittens and later knitted with the "Needlers" at the Portage Senior Center for charity. Ellen also enjoyed playing games and enjoyed Bingo and Euchre in her last years at Park Village Pines. Even at 101 her mind was still sharp enough to play Euchre.

Ellen is survived by two daughters and one son: Janis O'Dell of Kalamazoo, MI; Sheryl (David) Baker of Charlotte, MI; and Steven C. Holt of Marcellus, MI; four grandchildren: Krista (Ted) McCully, Lisa Eberstein; Mike (Bethany) Baker and Heather Holt; 16 great-grandchildren and many great-great grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Cloyd, her father and mother Milferd Otte and Cecelia (Otte) Branch; brother Leon (Joan) Otte; granddaughter Amy Reading; grandson Matthew Baker and great-grandson Austin Franks.

Funeral services will take place on Friday, July 31, at Oakwood Bible Church 4100 Oakland Drive, Kalamazoo, MI at 11 AM with Pastor Steven Johnson officiating. Friends may visit with the family before the service from 10 to 11 AM. Private interment will take place in Ft. Custer National Cemetery alongside her husband of 68 years, Cloyd. Memorial contributions may be made to Park Village Pines or the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission. Arrangements by Langeland Family Funeral Home. Special thanks and gratitude to the staff at Park Village Pines and Centrica Hospice for the love and care she received over the past few years.