William D. Ellsworth

William D. Ellsworth, 72, of St. Joseph, died Friday, June 24, 2011 after a very brief and courageous battle with liver and lung cancer. Bill was born March 9, 1939 in Twinsburg, Ohio to Harold and Margaret Ellsworth, the 4th of 18 children. He spent his childhood years in the Alliance, Ohio area before joining the Army in October 1959. He proudly served his country for 3 years. In 1961 he came to Benton Harbor to visit his Army buddy, Gene Tutton and wife, Joyce, who have remained lifelong and dear friends. While visiting them he met the love of his life, Judith Ann Smith, a waitress at the Green Cow Restaurant in Benton Harbor. They married on January 26, 1962 and their son, Randall William Ellsworth was born in 1964 and their daughter, Cynthia Ann Ellsworth was born in 1967. Bill worked at Bendix Corporation as a supervisor in the foundry for over 31 years before retiring in 1995. He then worked in the Coloma school system for 6 1/2 years “just for something to do”, retiring in 2003. Bill was most proud of his family, his childhood years on the farm, his time in the Army, and his work. He was a hard worker and a loyal friend. He was always willing to help a friend in need and was especially good at working on cars and fixing just about anything. In retirement, Bill enjoyed his daily visit to the Bagel Shop to meet with his “Coffee Buddies.” Bill and Judy attended Yore Community Church in Benton Harbor. He leaves to cherish his wife of 49 years, Judy Ellsworth; his son, Randy and wife Brenda Ellsworth of Coloma, and their four children, Michael (16), Emily (12), James (10), and Elisabeth (5); and his daughter, Cyndi Simmons and husband Alan of Port Neches, Texas and their son, Jamison (10). Also surviving are his siblings, Harold Ellsworth of Pikeville, NC; Ruth Weigand of Kent, OH; Maryelva Urdialis of Akron, OH; Irene Shea of Saginaw, MI; Wayne Ellsworth of North Canton, OH; Margie Fitzgerald of Salem, OH; Pete (Wanda) Ellsworth of Homeworth, OH; Karen Willard of Deerfield, OH; Sandy Kepner of Sebring, OH; Twyla (Bob) Painter of Salem, OH; Elaine Roberts, Cheryl Urdialis, Debbie Moreland all of Canton, OH; and Ron (Kerry) Ellsworth of Alliance, OH; and he was affectionately known as “Uncle Willie” to many nieces and nephews. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Margaret Ellsworth; an infant sister, Carol Ellsworth in 1954; his sister, Yvonne Oyster in 1959, his brother, Jimmy Ellsworth in 1976; brothers-in-law, Dario Urdialis, Fritz Weigand, Jim Fitzgerald, Chick Willard, Denny Shea, Jimmy Oyster, and sister-in-law Carol Ellsworth. The family would like to thank “Wild Bill's” steadfast friends, Ken and Pat Mattner, Gene and Joyce Tutton, Bill and Pat Durham, Don and Marge Adams, and many others for their friendship and support during this difficult time. Bill was a devoted husband, father, and grandpa and his stories, laughter, and memory will forever be in our hearts. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 2:30 P.M. Sunday, June 26, 2011 at Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Burial will be held 11:00 A.M. Monday, June 27, 2011 at Riverview Cemetery in St. Joseph. Friends may visit from 12:00 P.M. until 2:30 P.M. Sunday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Hospice at Home. Those wishing to sign the memory book online and read the full obituary may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.