Mary Josephine (Bierbaum) Ellis, age 92 -- Loving wife, mother, grandmother and a thoughtful woman.

Mary Jo was born in Cherokee, Iowa to Elmer Oscar Bierbaum and Manema Josephine McMullen. She graduated from Cherokee High School, earned her BS degree from Iowa State College, where she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority and Mortar Board nationalhonorsociety. Duringhersenior year at Iowa State, she spent a semester studying at Merrill Palmer Institute in Detroit, during that period she met her future husband, John Ellis. Shortly after her college graduation, they commenced a 67-year marriage, together pursuing their joint interests and love of traveling, reading and expanding their knowledge in a variety ofintellectualpursuits. Itwascommon for each of them to have multiple books open and concurrently being read. Later in life she followed her passion and earned a master’s in library science at Wayne State University and began her dream job as a librarian at Bloomfield Township Public Library.

Mary Jo is survived by her two children, David (Lucretia) Ellis of Bethlehem, PA and Susan (Bryan) Ludwig of Bloomfield Hills, MI and her two grandchildren John Ellis of San Francisco, CA and Nicholas LudwigofBloomfieldHills,MI. MaryJo shared a special bond with her grandsons, and their respect and reciprocal love was one of her most cherished gifts.

Mary Jo was the eldest of three children and is survived by her brother Dr. Benjamin (Annabelle) Bierbaum of Ketchum, ID and Los Angeles, CA; Sister-in-law Elizabeth Holl Bierbaum of Needham, MA and brother Jerry (Beth) Bierbaum of Jupiter, FL and New York City, NY. Sheispredeceased in death by her husband and her parents.

Family was very important to Mary Jo; she was extremely proud of her two brothers, sistersin- law and the Bierbaum and McMullen families. She cherished her nieces, nephews and cousins.

Mary Jo and John enjoyed traveling together and watching beautiful sunsets at their favorite vacation spots: Marthas Vineyard, MA, Long Boat Key, FL and Leland, MI.

Mary Jo was honored to serve as Deacon and Elder of the First Presbyterian Church of Royal Oak.

Mary Jo was a faithful supporter of Detroit institutions including Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Detroit Zoo and Cranbrook Educational Community.

She enjoyed lifelong friends from Chrysler Corporation, MIT Sloan Fellows, Iowa State and PEO Pleasant Ridge Chapter. She was a member of The Village Club of Bloomfield Hills and Leland Country Club.

Mary Jo prepared excellent baked goods. Blueberry buckle, cinnamon rolls, cheesecake and pecan pie were her specialties. Abiteofdarkchocolatewas a perfect ending to her day.

A celebration of her life is planned for the summer of 2026 with burial at Leland, MI. Memorials would be appreciated at the Leland Township Public Library (www. lelandlibrary.org) or the charity of your choice.