Cover photo for Ellen J. Haskell's Obituary
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Ellen

Ellen J. Haskell

d. February 19, 2017

HASKELL, Ellen J.
Kalamazoo, MI

On February 19, 2017, Ellen Joyce Early Haskell bid farewell to all those who love her in her earthly family, and was embraced by all those who joyously awaited her on the other side. We know that her celestial family circle now includes her beloved husband, Rev. Ronald Clifford Haskell who preceded her in 1981, her parents, George C. and Opal Matthews Early, siblings Robert Early and Jeanne Early Dickerson, along with their spouses, Ruth Brown Early and Thomas W. Dickerson.

Ellen was born in 1924 at the family farm on 'C Avenue, Kalamazoo, Ml, and passed peacefully at Kairos Dwelling Hospice, a lovely farmhouse in the same town, coming full circle. She went to her first eight grades of school at the Jug Corners Schoolhouse at "D" Ave. and 12th St., traveling by pony cart every day. She graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School in 1941, and started her college education at Western Normal Teachers College (now WMU). Her education was interrupted when she married Ronald Haskell at the age of 19, and they began their life together in Tonopah, NV Army Air Corps Training Center before he shipped out to the Pacific Theater as a B-24 pilot in WWII. She resumed her education at Western Michigan University after her youngest son, Jon started school, and obtained a Master's Degree. She taught and retired from Plainwell Community Schools in 1986.

Ellen is survived by her children, Ron Jr., Mark (Diane), Sue (Michael) Nelson, & Jon (Tamsie), along with ten grandchildren: Ranee, Rachel, Raasamii, and Rasii; Katie; Nathaniel, and Stacey; Brandon, Madelin and Jonathon, along with twelve great-grandchildren: Nicholas, Tyler, Bryan; Mikaila, Lucas, Alana, Devin; Marley and Laila; Tess, Mia, and Liv, along with one great-great grandchild, Amelia. She was also beloved by countless nieces and nephews.

Ellen was a soprano soloist and music teacher who instilled the love of music in others, directing choirs and singing in them. She played bells in the 1st Congregational Church of Kalamazoo, Ml until she could no longer lift the biggest bell! She was also a member of the Cooper Congregational Church that she grew up in and dearly loved. She was part of the negotiating team that voted in the first teachers union in the Plainwell School System, and was a proud member of the Michigan Education Association. Her great loves were her family, faith, and farm, where she lived for over 60 years. She was a strong, independent woman who was determined to live her life with an incredible work ethic and deeply rooted Christian value system. We are experiencing "Bright Sadness"; feeling sad for ourselves, but knowing the brightness of the glory she is now experiencing!

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 24th from 5-8 pm at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick Street. Services will be held 11 am on Saturday February 25th at First Congregational Church 345 W. Michigan Ave., with Rev. Nathan Dannison, officiating. Ellen's family will receive guests at church beginning at 10 am and again following the service. Private graveside services will be held in West Cooper Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be directed to Kairos Dwelling or The Pink Fund.

Visitation

FEB 24. 05:00 PM - 08:00 PM

Langeland Family Funeral Homes - Memorial Chapel
622 South Burdick St.
Kalamazoo, MI, US, 49007

Funeral Service

FEB 25. 10:00 AM

First Congregational Church
345 W. Michigan Ave.
Kalamazoo, MI, US, 49007
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