Wahnita R. Micklatcher Ellis

Wahnita R. Micklatcher Ellis, age 89, of Battle Creek, died Wednesday, May 17, 2006 at Verona Road Foster Care after a short illness.. Wahnita was born July 24, 1917 in Union City to Marlin Pearl and Jessie Belle (Lossing) Buys. Her father moved her family extensively around Michigan when she was a child, and even to South Dakota. She returned to the Battle Creek area as a young woman, and worked as a housekeeper for a family near Binder Park. She attended Battle Creek Central High School from where she earned her diplomaIn 1937 she married Grant Micklatcher, and they farmed in Emmett Township many years. Wahnita kept the garden and tended to the chickens among other chores. Grant preceded her in death in 1975. She married Wilford Ellis in 1979 in Ionia. They continued to live in Emmett Township at the farm He preceded her in death in 1997. Wahnita was a member of Baseline United Methodist Church. She enjoyed volunteering at Binder Park Zoo as a greeter in her much loved Africa section. She enjoyed a special day when she was allowed in the the area they kept the new tiger cub in. Wahnita volunteered until a little over a year ago. She was a member of Harmony Extension. Wahnita hosted their Christmas party at her home for many years, a party enjoyed by the Extension members who delighted in her decorations, many made by herself. Sometimes, Wahnita crafted a special present for everybody that attended to take home. She was very talented with her hands, making arts and crafts. She was an excellent seamstress, sewing many fine articles of clothing for her family. She also created many quilts. Wahnita''s habit was to rise early, and be dressed. A habit her daughter in law Sharon felt was to assure she was ready for some of the many spontaneous side trips she went on with friends over the years. She is survived by her son, Marlin "Mick" (Sharon) Micklatcher of Albion, Daughter-in-law Carolyn Micklatcher of Traverse City, step-daughter Sally Ellis of Ann Arbor, step-son Thomas Ellis of San Jose California; 4 grandchildren and two sisters, Gwendolyn Morgenstern of Midland and Mary Doolittle of Colon. She was also preceded in death by her son, Michael Roger Micklatcher., 6 brothers and 3 sisters. Friends may call at Craig K. Kempf Funeral Home in Marshall Friday 6PM-8PM, where family will be present to greet friends and share memories. Services will be held on Saturday at 11AM at graveside at Memorial Park Cemetery in Battle Creek. The family suggests that memorial contributions be directed either to Baseline United Methodist Church or Jackson/Oaklawn Hospice. Assistance available with memorials at Kempf Funeral Home. For her full story, and to sign an on-line guest register and leave a personal message to family visit www.kempffuneralhome.com.