Frances Mary (Skaff) Ellis

Frances Mary (Skaff) Ellis, age 92, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2025. Frances was born on December 23, 1932. Raised in Grand Rapids, MI, she was the second of four daughters born to Michael and Geneva Skaff. She and her sisters were always close and remained best friends throughout their entire lives. Frances came from a musical family. At the age of four, she began playing the piano. It was clear, then, that she had a special gift. She also had perfect pitch, which gave her the ability to instantly identify and reproduce musical notes without the benefit of any sheet music. For years, she studied with Mrs. Nora Collins, a leading piano teacher in the community, and gave many recitals at St. Cecilia Music Society.

Frances graduated from Ottawa Hills High School in 1950. She went on to the University of Michigan, earning a bachelor’s degree in music in 1954, majoring in piano performance. After college, she returned to Grand Rapids, where she gave piano lessons in her home to other young aspiring pianists. In 1955, she married Kenneth D. Ellis. Together, they raised four children, Katherine, Nancy, Michael, and Mary Frances. Her family always came first, but her love of music never diminished. She was a lifelong supporter of the St. Cecilia Music Society and the Grand Rapids Symphony, serving on the Women’s Committee for many years. Frances never stopped playing the piano, often mentoring and accompanying her children and grandchildren. She faithfully attended their choir concerts, recitals, sporting events, honors assemblies and graduations with great, personal pride. She also loved cooking delicious Lebanese food for her family, from her meatballs and rice, to cabbage rolls or stuffed squash. Frances at the piano, particularly at the holidays, was the focal point of family gatherings for decades. She also enjoyed playing at the Lacks Cancer Center at St. Mary’s Hospital. Her music provided joy and comfort to many patients and their families.

Frances was a member of the Hodgen Guild at Blodgett Memorial Hospital, the Babies Welfare Guild, the Junior League of Grand Rapids, and the Ladies Golden Links Society at her beloved St. George Orthodox Church. Frances will be remembered as a lovely lady, and as harmonious with others as the music she played.

Frances was predeceased by her parents, Michael and Geneva Skaff; her husband of 55 years, Kenneth D. Ellis and her sister, Constance S. Ellis. She is survived by her children, Katherine (Michael) Lloyd, Nancy (David) Kammeraad, Michael (Lynette) Ellis, and Mary Frances Ellis; her grandchildren, Greer (Michelle) Love, Katherine (Patrick) Miller, Melissa (John) Amash, Francie (William) McCanless, Michael (Jackie) Ellis Jr., Matthew Ellis, Elizabeth (Adam) Rzepka, Natalie Ellis and Luke Furjanic, Meredith (Mark) Henley, Andrew (Kate) Reed ; step-grandsons, Dreyson Byker, Brandon (Mandi) Byker, Bryce Byker and Kyler Byker; dear sisters, Diana Courie and Carolyn Skaff, many nieces, nephews and their families.

The family wishes to thank Peggy Rogalski and her outstanding team who provided Frances with wonderful care at home for the past three years.

Visitation will be held Thursday May 22nd from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. with a Trisagion prayer service and eulogy held at 6:30p.m. at the Metcalf & Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 4291 Cascade Rd. SE. The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday May 23rd at St. George Orthodox Church, 334 LaGrave Ave. SE.  In keeping with Frances’ wishes, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. George Orthodox Church and St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

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