Obituary of Eleanor Atkinson

ATKINSON, Eleanor "Ellie" A resident of Merlin, Ellie Atkinson, passed away surrounded by her family on Wednesday, November 4, 2015 at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance at the age of 84. Born in Staples on November 2, 1931, daughter of the late Russell and Iva Anderson. Loving wife for 65 years to Joe Atkinson. Loving mother to Larry and Judy Atkinson, Ronny and Philomena Atkinson, Tim and Lori Atkinson, Amber and Paul Hoy. Grandmother to Nicole, Amy (Derek), Ronny Jr., Charles, Becky, Neal, Alicia, Drew, Carly, Chad, and great-grandmother to 9. Sister to Elfa Coulter (Bud), Carol Rahm (Bob), sister in law to Marge Anderson. Predeceased by her brother Wayne Anderson. Eleanor was a wonderful, caring, selfless wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. To many, she was known by Ellie or Ellie-May. She enjoyed her time in Daytona Beach, made friends there, many who still cared for her and kept in touch. Family meant everything to her, she loved dancing with her husband Joe. They cleared the dance floor whenever they stepped onto it. Ellie enjoyed playing bingo with her daughter Amber over the years. She looked forward to visiting her sisters on a weekly basis, and always wanted to see her children and grandchildren succeed. She was by her husband's side as he made his dream come true building the Raleigh Raceway, now known as Buxton Raceway. She worked at the concession stand, picked up garbage on Sunday mornings, and even drove in the Powderpuff Race. Ellie didn't have much, but what she had, she shared. Cremation has taken place. Family will receive friends at the Merlin United Church on Monday, November 9, 2015 from 10:00a.m. until the Celebration of Life at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Jim Haupt officiating. A Private Interment will take place at Merlin Cemetery at a later date. Those wishing to leave an expression of sympathy are asked to consider to the Merlin United Church. Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com. <iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/145065820" width="500" height="281" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe> <p><a href="https://vimeo.com/145065820">Eleanor &quot;Ellie&quot; Atkinson</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user27484248">McKinlay Funeral Homes Ltd.</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>