Jeffrey Lynn Ellsworth
Jeffrey Lynn Ellsworth, 59, mayor of “Wicklow Hood” and friend to all who knew him, passed away on December 26, 2025. He was comfortable in his home surrounded by his loved ones.
A natural leader in every arena of his life, Jeff spent over 20 years in auto industry logistics, most recently with Jack Cooper. He was known there as a fiercely loyal boss who always advocated for his team. His natural habitat, however, was “Wicklow Hood” — the neighborhood where his bonfires, late-night stories, and unique sense of humor earned him his title of “mayor.” Other nights, you could find him hanging with his grandkids, cheering at one of his six kids’ school events, or competing with his family over the nightly episode of Jeopardy!
Jeff was a dedicated father, husband and grandfather, leaving a lasting legacy of generosity and kindness. He was the first person you called when you needed a ride or were having car trouble. His children’s most cherished memories involve him teaching them how to be good Samaritans – pulling a friend from a ditch or saving a hurt animal. Through it all, he repeated his father’s favorite phrase to them: “It always comes back around.”
His family extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who proved this to be true over the last year. (If you never got back around to him, don’t worry—you can take it up with him in the afterlife. You’ll find him at the bonfire, surrounded by his departed loved ones, telling inappropriate jokes with his loyal Golden Retriever, Nemo, curled at his feet.)
Jeff is survived by his wife, Samantha Ellsworth; children, Elizabeth (Christopher) Lilley, Evan (Jen) Ellsworth, Emily (Wes Surface) Ellsworth, Vincent Ellsworth, Victor “Jack” Ellsworth, Vivian Ellsworth; grandchildren, Clarabelle Lilley, Cameron Shanks; mother, Suzanne Ellsworth; siblings, James (Theresa) Ellsworth, Joe (Linda) Ellsworth, John (Debbie) Ellsworth, Janice (Mark) O’Donnell, Jill Ellsworth. He was preceded in death by his father, Dale Ellsworth; sister, Judy Gray; niece, Holli Tyler; nephew, Justin Ellsworth.
A visitation was held at Mills Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids on Thursday, January 8, 2026, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Honoring his final wishes, a memorial party (in lieu of a service) was held on Friday, January 9, 2026, at 1 p.m. at Tony M’s Restaurant and Banquet Center, 3420 Creyts Road, Lansing, MI 48917.
And as a final tribute to Jeff, who never met a moment too pure or an event too proper for a joke, we leave you with one of his favorite quotes from Eric Cartman: “Screw you guys, I’m going home!”