Obituary of Robert Ellsworth Elliott

Robert Ellsworth Elliott or “Hop “as he later became known was born on November 14, 1941, in Monroe, Michigan.  He was one of three children born to the union of Lloyd Elliott and Mary Jane (Lentz) Elliott.  Robert attended Monroe High School, graduating with the class of 1960.  Shortly after graduation, Robert took a position with General Motors Company. 

On June 11, 1971, at Grace Lutheran Church in Monroe, Robert married the love of his life; the former Joan Ferguson.  The couple was blessed with three sons and a daughter.  Robert was an excellent provider for his family working in skilled trades at the Toledo Powertrain plant in their Hydramatic division.  He was a proud member of the UAW Local 14.  Finally, after thirty-four years of service he retired in 1993. 

Robert remained very active throughout his life.  He enjoyed bowling, with two of his favorite alleys being Nortel Lanes in Monroe and Miracle Lanes in Toledo, but it was at Nortel Lanes where he recorded the perfect 300 game.  He was a member of the American Bowling Congress.  Robert enjoyed the outdoors, spending time in the Upper Peninsula near Iron Mountain, Michigan whether he was hunting for deer or casting a line in the Manistee River or the Tippy Dam in Manistee hoping to reel in the next big salmon.

Robert was also a member of the Harley Owners Group – Hog Chapter.  He and Joan loved taking road trips on their Harley Davidson Softail to destinations Out West and to Sturgis, South Dakota, but their favorite trip was to the Smokey Mountains in Tennessee. 

Robert loved animals especially his three dogs; Lady, Heidi and Skipper, but most of all he truly appreciated the time he spent with his children and being “Papa” to his grandchildren.

Robert “Hop” Ellsworth Elliott, age 82 of LaSalle, Michigan went home to be with his Lord on Monday; September 2, 2024, at his home.  He was surrounded by his loving family and under the care of Heartland Hospice. His passing was preceded by his parents: Lloyd and Mary Jane Elliott; his favorite granddaughter: Amanda Elliott; a sister and brother-in-law: Cindy (Dave) Greeno; and his mother and father-in-law: Tom and Annette Dye.

To cherish Robert’s memory he leaves his loving wife of fifty-three years: Joan Elliott of LaSalle; one daughter: Liz (Joe) Breckow of Gibraltar, Michigan; three sons: Tim (Stacy) Elliott of Monroe, Jon (Jan) Elliott of Ida, Michigan, and Tom Elliott of Monroe; one brother: Larry (Donna) Elliott of Oak Harbor, Ohio; seven grandchildren: Ron (Megan) Elliott, Melissa (Chad) Orndorf, Ashleigh (Andrew) Reko, Brannigan Powell, Joe (Caitlyn) Elliott, Nathaniel Elliott and Jennifer Elliott; and six great grandchildren: Alexus, Aubree, Averie, Everly, Max, and Kase; along with several niece, nephews and friends.

Friends may gather from 1:00pm until 8:00pm on Thursday; September 5, 2024, at Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe; 14567 South Dixie Highway, Monroe, Michigan 48161 (734) 241-7070.  A Celebration of Robert’s Life will be held at 11:00am on Friday; September 6, 2024, also at Merkle’s with Pastor Joe Bryant officiating.  Robert will be whisked to LaSalle Township Cemetery, by a custom Harley Davidson Motorcycle hearse, in procession.

Memorials in Robert’s memory are suggested to the charity of the donor’s choice.  Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.