Obituary of Dorothy Ellis

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Dorothy Ellis at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on June 24, 2024, at the age of 102.

Dorothy was the beloved wife of Thomas "Oscar" Ellis (1963) and the loving mother to Thomas "Harry" Ellis (2021). She is survived by her daughter-in-law, Karen Ellis. Dorothy was a loving grandmother to her granddaughter Megan Woodward (T.J.) of Bright's Grove, and her grandsons Tom Ellis (Sue) of London, and Robert Ellis (Suzanne) of Tecumseh. She was a proud great-grandmother to Ben, Cooper, and Declan Ellis, and ‘Big Grandma’ to Elliott and Allison Woodward.

Dorothy will be forever missed by her older brother, Gerald Trumble of Oshawa. She is predeceased by her parents, Harry and Mary Ann (nee Sararas) Trumble, and her sisters Violet, Mary, Irene, and Verna.

Born in a small community on Mud Lake, north of Bancroft in 1921, Dorothy, along with her parents, four sisters, and brother, lived on an almost entirely self-sufficient farm. She attended school and achieved her Grade 8 education. By 1942, Dorothy found a job in Trenton at a rooming house where she was introduced to Thomas Ellis by some friends. Thomas worked as an aircraft mechanic at the Royal Air Force Base in Trenton. In 1944, Thomas’s service agreement expired and the two were married and moved to his hometown, Chatham, Ontario. The couple built a house across the street from the Kent County Army Barracks where they started their family, and Dorothy lived there until 2023.

Dorothy enjoyed working and found many excellent employment opportunities in Chatham. She began working in a factory assembling hand grenades and later worked for American Pad. At the end of the war, American Pad halted its production of bandoleers, and Dorothy was moved to another line where she sewed gloves; a production that was maintained after the war. Dorothy continued working in factories until her retirement from Domtar in 1985. After Thomas’s death in 1963, Dorothy supported herself and her son, Harry. The two shared an enduring bond. 

Dorothy was a remarkably kind and gentle woman who left a beautiful legacy through the love of her family. She had a generous heart and lived without judgment. Throughout her life, Dorothy demonstrated many talents. She was an incredibly gifted quilter and an avid reader. She also enjoyed gardening, canning, and baking. Her delicious butter tarts and cherry cheesecake were always a hit at every family gathering. Dorothy's card-playing prowess brought joy and camaraderie while creating memories full of laughter and friendly competition for her friends and family. She will be dearly missed by all.

A private family service will be held in Maple Leaf Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, if you wish to make a donation in memory of Dorothy, please consider the Ronald McDonald House London or the SickKids Foundation.

Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com

McKinlay Funeral Home

459 St. Clair Street, Chatham

519-351-2040