Robert Ellis

Robert Vaughn “Bob” Ellis, age 78 years, of South Bend passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 3, 2015 at the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Mishawaka. He was born February 12, 1936 in Niles, Michigan to Artie and Mildred (Poort) Ellis.

Bob retired from Tyler Refrigeration of Niles, Michigan in 1985 after 30 years of service. He was owner and operator of Ellis Furniture in Niles for 13 years of his early retirement. He was a member of many civic organizations in South Bend including the Saint Joseph Young Men's Society, the Bowlers Country Club, Fraternal Order of Eagles, Moose Lodge, American Legion and many more. He was a devoted American and had served in the National Guard. He loved life and was always on the go. Bob was a devout Notre Dame fan attending football games there since 1963. He was an avid golfer, bowler and enjoyed playing cards. Bob and his wife proudly traveled through the capitals of all 50 states. Above all Bob was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend to all, as he cherished spending time with his family and friends.

On April 24, 1972, Bob married the former Ernestine Springfield and together they had celebrated 42 years of marriage. Ernestine survives with sons, Robert (& Jenny), Ellis Jr. and his children, Ben, Tyrrell, Henry and Isaac Ellis; James (& Sherrie) Ellis, Sr. and his children Michelle, James Jr, Lindsey, Kelly, Christopher; and Richard (& Steve) Ellis; a daughter, Lois (& Gregg) Longacre and her children, Christopher Eslinger and Brittany Eslinger and 12 great-grandchildren. Bob is also survived by one brother Dan (& Teresa) Ellis, one sister Edna (& Steve) Burns and many loving nieces and nephews. Bob will join 2 older sisters who preceded him in death.

Funeral services for Bob Ellis will be held at Noon on Friday, January 9, 2015 at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles with Pastor David Szymczak of First Church of Christ-Christian officiating. Interment will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends at the funeral home from 4-8:00 p.m. on Thursday and one hour prior to services on Friday.

Donations in memory of Bob may be made to the American Cancer Society.