Ellie was the consummate volunteer, a committed “Do-er”. She devoted her time and considerable energy over seven plus decades to the various communities and numerous service organizations primarily supporting those less fortunate. Notably, long before the Americans with Disabilities Act, Ellie developed the first catalogue of accessibility within public buildings and areas in Detroit for distribution to those in need.

Ellie & Jack enjoyed traveling, including to many domestic and international destinations. However, Omena, Michigan, where they built a cottage in 1959, remains the heart of the Stephenson and Buell families and where both extended families continue to gather every summer. After several decades living in Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan, following Jack’s retirement, Ellie & Jack relocated to Norwich, Vermont. In 2010, Ellie subsequently moved to Lebanon, NH. She remained active and engaged, playing her favoritegames:bridgeandsequence. A voracious reader, Ellie had just finished the latest book by her favorite author.

Ellie is preceded in death by her husband, Jack Stephenson and a granddaughter, Madeline Kotlas. Ellie is survived by her two daughters, Cathy and Janet, and granddaughter, Sydney Carlock-Bichler (Andy Bichler) as well as her much loved nephews and niece, all of whom will greatly miss her kindness, warmth, laughter and love. Condolences may be expressed to Ellie’s family in an online guestbook at www.knightfuneralhomes. com.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ellie’s memory can be directed to the Leelanau Conservancy’s “Omena Fund” 105 N. First St. Leland, MI 49654 or www. leelanauconservancy.org Acelebration of Ellie’s life will be held in Omena at a later date.