Ellen L. Newell

Ellen L. Newell 92, Elkhart, Indiana and formerly of Rochester, Indiana, passed away at 12:43 A.M. Saturday May 19, 2018 at Greenleaf Health Campus, Elkhart, Indiana.

She was born on June 15, 1925 in Winamac, Indiana, the daughter of John W. and Rose M. (Working) Bunnell. After graduating from Rochester High School in 1943, Ellen started working for Topp’s Manufacturing Company. She later worked for Ball Band in Mishawaka, Indiana in the production of tennis shoes. Upon her return to Rochester, she started working for Baxter’s Drug Store as a bookkeeper where she worked for many years retiring in 1990. On August 29, 1947 in Rochester, Indiana, she married J. Richard “Dick” Newell. He preceded her in death on January 26, 1993.

Ellen was a member of the First Christian Church, Rochester. She had been a charter member of the Rochester Lioness Club and had been an active league bowler for over fifty years participating in many local and state bowling tournaments. In her spare time she enjoyed jigsaw puzzles, word searches, bowling and euchre.

Survivors include her daughters, Sue and husband Jerry West, Traverse City, Michigan, Diana and husband Brian Reser, Elkhart, Indiana, grandchildren, Mark and wife Sarah West, Traverse City, Michigan, Patrick West Traverse City, Michigan, great grandchildren, Mathew West, Nathan West and Giovi West, all of Traverse City, Michigan, brother, Darl and wife Lucy Bunnell, Albuquerque, New Mexico, several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Peggy Fishburn, sisters, Mary Stewart, Kathryn Eytcheson, Iona Cox, Leona Koons, Zeulla Calhoun, Annie Nickell and JoAnn Bunnell, brothers, Harry Bunnell, Gerald Bunnell, Edward Bunnell, Raymond Bunnell and Charles Bunnell.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday May 23, 2018 at Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester, Indiana, with Rev. Mike Van Heyningen officiating. Friends may call from 4-7 P.M. Tuesday and one hour prior to service on Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Odd Fellows Cemetery, Rochester, Indiana. The family would like to acknowledge the wonderful care Ellen received from the staff at Greenleaf Health Campus and Heartland Hospice. Memorial contributions may be made to The First Christian Church C.W.F., Rochester Lions Club or the Alzheimer’s Association. Online condolences may be expressed at www.zimmermanbrosfh.com

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