Michael J Ellis, 76, of San Tan Valley, AZ, passed away on March 15th, 2022, at home, surrounded by his loving family, after a lengthy battle with cancer. Mike was born on January 21st, 1946, to James and Barbara (nee Mihalic) Ellis in Lorain, OH. After graduating from Clearview High School in 1964, Mike went on to serve 2 tours of duty in Vietnam as an USAF aircraft mechanic and was honorably discharged in 1969. He then began his career working for B.F. Goodrich Chemical as a maintenance technician.

Mike had 2 children, Jennifer and Mark, from a previous marriage. In 1983, he married Janice (nee Murrell) Cady, adding stepsons, Christopher and Stephen, to his family. Mike was very involved in his children’s activities, built their home from the ground up, played adult co-ed soccer, was active in Lions’ Club, and a master at anything DIY. After retiring in 2004, Mike and Janice moved to Arizona, where Mike was busy remodeling their home, doing extensive landscaping, playing men’s and couples’ bocce ball, was a big NASCAR fan, and a member of various local clubs, including the Veterans group.

Mike was predeceased by his daughter, Jennifer Cook, his parents, Jim and Barb Ellis, and his 2 older brothers, James (Jim) and Robert (Bob) Ellis. He is survived by his wife, Janice; his son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Shanon (nee Mekesa) Ellis and their children, Rowan and Emilija of Willoughby, OH; his granddaughter, Mary Ellis of Boston, MA; his stepsons and daughters-in-law, Christopher and Beth Cady and their children, Ashley and Aidan of Furlong, PA, and Stephen and Amy Cady and their children, Malayna and Damon of Fairport, NY; his brother, Gary, of Vermilion, OH; and sisters, Barbara (Bob) McAuliffe of Fulshear, TX, Patricia (Bob) Matyi of Roswell, GA, and Marie (Brian) Webster of Tallmadge, OH; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mike was a victim of Agent Orange and was concerned about veteran care and support, and cancer research. Donations can be made to his favorite charities, St. Jude’s or the Gary Sinise Foundation. 

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