Ellen (Erickson) Kitti, of Kalkaska passed away peacefully at the Eden Center Long Term Care memory unit of Kalkaska Memorial Health Center on Sun, Mar 4, 2012.
Ellen was born in Ahmeek,MI, on Jul 7, 1920, the daughter of Sakris and Mary (Koskela) Erickson. After high school, she met William Kitti, who was a student at Michigan Technological University. They were united in marriage March 2, 1946 at Bethlehem Finnish Lutheran Church in Detroit when Bill returned home from serving in World War II. After Bill graduated from medical school, they moved to Kalkaska, where together they worked to build his medical practice and served the Kalkaska community. Ellen was a charter member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, a member of the Ladies Guild and involved in the Lutheran Women's Missionary League. She was also a member of the Eve Club, which raised money to support the hospital.
Ellen was a consummate homemaker and loved to entertain family and friends. Her home was a place where everyone was welcome and where nobody left hungry. Ellen was a gifted artist, calligrapher, crafter and seamstress. She especially enjoyed corresponding with her friends and family all over the world as well as sending birthday cards to everyone she knew. She enjoyed playing golf, ice skating and berry picking.
Ellen loved little children and enjoyed giving gifts to "adopted" grandchildren on special occasions. Her generous spirit will be remembered by many. Ellen's greatest joy was her family and she delighted in watching her grandchildren play sports. She cherished spending time with all of them.
For the past four and a half years, Ellen was wonderfully cared for by the caring staff of the Kalkaska Memorial Health Center Long Term Care memory unit. Her family extends heartfelt gratitude to everyone associated with the center.
She is survived by her daughters, Maryellen (Jack) Abell of Austintown, OH and Susan (Gary) Guy of Kalkaska; grandchildren, Erik (Becky) Abell of Nesconset, NY; Mark (Allison) Abell of Columbus, OH; Jeff Guy and Daniel Guy of Traverse City; Kelli Guy of Kalkaska; great granddaughter, Ryleigh Abell; sister, Ruth Tervo of Traverse City and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, William; an infant daughter, Karen; brothers, Arthur Erickson and Reuben Erickson and her sister, Viola Koski.
Visitation was held at Wolfe-O'Neill Funeral Home on Fri, Mar 9, from 1 to 4pm and 6 to 8 pm. Funeral services were held at St. Paul Lutheran Church on Sat, Mar 10 at 2 pm with visitation at the church from 1 to 2 pm. Interment will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Kalkaska.
For those who wish to honor Ellen and her commitment to her church and community, please consider memorial gifts to St. Paul Lutheran Church, 2479 Beebe Rd. NE, Kalkaska, MI 49646 and Kalkaska Memorial Health Center Eden Center memory unit, 419 S. Coral St., Kalkaska, MI.
Wolfe-O'Neill Funeral Home handled the arrangements.
