Mona Joan Ellard
Mona Joan Ellard, 76 of Charlotte, died peacefully after a lengthy battle with Pancreatic Cancer on August 13, 2023. Mona was born on February 15, 1947, in Hastings, Michigan, the daughter of Charles D. and Donna J. (Diehl) Monica. She graduated from Delton Kellogg High School with the Leadership Award for the Class of 1965. She attended Western Michigan University where she earned her teaching degree in Home Economics. Her first teaching job was at Bentley High School in Davison, MI from 1968-1981.
She married her high school sweetheart Ed Ellard. They were married on June 7, 1969, in Delton after Ed returned from Vietnam.
In 1975 Mona earned her master’s degree in Adult Education in Home Economics from Michigan State University. In 1981, she started working for Michigan State University in the Cooperative Extension Service as the Home Economist for Eaton County. Mona retired from MSU Extension as the director of Eaton County in 2009.
Mona and Ed happily raised two children in Charlotte, MI. She was most proud of spending time with her children whether coaching a softball team, being a scout leader, or watching her children participate in 4-H. She loved helping at Courtney’s volleyball and softball games. She was known to a new generation as Grandma Coach. She cherished her grandchildren, she never missed a band concert, volleyball, baseball, soccer, football or track meet. She was very proud of her children and grandchildren.
Mona is survived by her husband of 54 years, Ed Ellard; daughter, Courtney (Scott) Quinn of Olivet; son, Kyle (Sharlene) Ellard of Farmington Hills; grandchildren, McKenna (Lindsey) Quinn and Conner Quinn; sisters, Gail (Mike) Gibson, Marsha (Larry) Veenstra, Daneen (Victor) Caro, Brothers; Gregg (Karen) Monica and Brad Monica; brothers-in-law, Danney Ellard and Roger (Connie) Ellard; and copious nieces, nephews and family friends. She was predeceased by her parents and grandparents.
Friends are encouraged to support Mona’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. A Funeral Service was held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 17, 2023, at First Baptist Church of Charlotte with Pastor Pete Kroll officiating. Visitation also took place at First Baptist Church of Charlotte on Wednesday, August 16, 2023. Private family interment will take place at Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte. The funeral was webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Mona’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). Memorial contributions may be made to Eaton County Community Palliative Care or First Baptist Church of Charlotte. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.