Shirley Mae Ellquist, 80, lifetime resident of the Maple Hill, Grand Marais area, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Oct. 27, 2016 at North Shore Health in Grand Marais.
She was born April 13, 1936 in the Good Harbor Hill area, Grand Marais to Chris H. and Agnes J. Rude. Shirley was the third- youngest of five siblings. She worked at Cascade Restaurant and Lodge washing dishes and cleaning rooms before she was married. On April 26, 1958, she married David H. Ellquist and they were married for 29 years. Shirley and David were inseparable, doing everything together. She was a homemaker through the years and was well known as “Grandma” to most.
Her love for cats and other animals were her passion. She also liked to cook and bake, and enjoyed a good game of bingo, and country music. Shirley was extremely close with her only daughter, Tracy, and she shared wonderful recipes with her son-in-law, Patrick. She cherished her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and adored her nieces and nephews. Shirley had a special bond with her siblings and did everything with her family: trips, camping, snowmobiling, ice fishing, and special gatherings.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Thelma (Doug) Peterson and Alice (George) Brisson; husband, David Ellquist on July 1, 1987; sisters in-law, Evelyn Leach and Shirley Olson; and brother-in-law, John Keveney.
Shirley is survived and deeply missed by her daughter, Tracy (Patrick) Scully; grandchildren, Chris Scully and Amber (Clint) Lovaasen; greatgrandchildren, Addison Lovaasen and Bryce and Keegan Scully; sister, Carol (Alton) Berglund; brothers, Gerald (Nancy) Rude and Bradley (Sandi) Rude; and many nieces and nephews.
She cared deeply for our extended family: Terry Scully, Jon Scully, Jane Nygaard, and Beth Stone. We all had wonderful times together.
The family would like to thank Dr. Stover and all the wonderful nurses. They were great! Also, Traci Allen Home Health Care Givers, Care Partners, Marnie and Carol from the Senior Center, and Meals on Wheels volunteers. We couldn’t have done it without you!
Visitation was Oct. 31 at the Evangelical Free Church in Grand Marais. Shirley will be buried next to her beloved husband David at Maple Hill Cemetery. To sign the online guestbook visit www.cavallinfuneralhome.com.
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