Lavada Ann Ellis Obituary

Mrs. Lavada Ann Ellis, age 80, passed away on Monday, February 9, 2026 at her home.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, February 13 at 11:00 am at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI, 49085. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service, from 10:00 – 11:00 am. Memorial contributions in Lavada’s name may be directed to the Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan. Please feel free to sign Lavada’s online guestbook at www.starks-menchinger.com.

Lavada was born on July 13, 1945 to Eli and Emogene (Spencer) Britt in Brookland, Arkansas. She married Tommie Ellis in Paragould, Arkansas and he preceded her in death in 2008.

Lavada overcame many physical hurdles in her incredible life. She contracted polio at 15-months old and walked with crutches and braces her entire life. However, Lavada never let these obstacles stop her and continued to live her life as she wanted. She walked and played with her kids and grandchildren and learned how to drive. Lavada’s determination and strength throughout her life was truly an inspiration to her family and friends.

Lavada also enjoyed spending her time sewing, baking, tending to her flower garden, and spotting rainbows after rainstorms. She was a greeter at Berrien General and was the head of housekeeping at Tabor Farm Resort for ten years. Lavada loved spending time with her family, especially sharing a cup of coffee with her beloved Tommie on their porch, which they are hopefully doing now that Lavada has been reunited with him.

Lavada is survived by her children, Laura (Bill) Oehler, Angela (Mike) Brewer, and Joseph (Mabel) Ellis; 11 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren with one on the way. She was preceded in death by her husband, Tommie; grandson, Zakary Svorec; siblings, Olene Cope, Sandra Galloway, and Roger Britt; and parents.