Valita Valeria Ellefson

Valita Valeria (Clous) Ellefson, 89 of Traverse City passed away on December 30, 2023 at Munson Medical Center after a brief illness with family by her side. She was born in Hannah, Michigan to Victor and Pauline (Rodes) Clous. Attend school at Hannah St Mary’s. She worked at the Traverse City State Hospital until she was laid off. Then worked as manager for Teater Orthopedics in Petoskey for a short period of time until she was called back to the State Hospital and worked until she went out on a disability. Valita worked a variety of different jobs in her lifetime and was the happiest whenever she was helping others. She was always there to help lend a hand to her family and the many friends she had acquired throughout her life. She spent her last 7 years living at the Boardman Lake Glens Inverness and spent her final years assisting other residents who lived there. She loved putting puzzles together, playing BINGO and Farkle. When in her room relaxing, she would either be doing word searches, praying the rosary or knitting dish clothes of which she said she had to have made close to 6000 or more of them over her lifetime and would give them out to whoever wanted one. She loved being creative and enjoyed working with the staff on the bulletin board and other crafts that were done there. The family would like to thank Boardman Lake Glens staff for the wonderful care they gave to their mother and for helping to add joy to her final years here on earth. Valita is survived by her daughters Valeria Yankee and Vanessa Guy, son James (Darlene) Yankee, stepsons James (Barb) Muth and Edward (Shelly) Muth, along with grandchildren Kristine Guy-Stanula and Jonathan Guy. She is survived by her siblings: Jeanette Latimer, Dolly (Don) Osborne, Dan (Judy) Clous and Brent (Karyn) Clous. She is also survived by a host of other grandchildren, great-grandchildren, aunts and uncles, nieces, and nephews. She was proceeded in death by her parents, Victor and Pauline Clous, brother Dale Clous, son-in-law Rodney Guy, step-daughter Carol Saul, brother-in-law Elbert Latimer, and husbands James J Yankee, Earl K Muth and Stanley Ellefson. A Celebration of Life will be held for her Friday, June 21st beginning at 11:00AM, visitation will be held prior at 10:30AM at St. Mary of Hannah Catholic Church, with burial to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to: Boardman Lake Glens attn:Ann/Rose 1400 Bridagoon Ct, Traverse City, MI 49686. Arrangements are with the Kalkaska Funeral Home of Kalkaska Michigan.

Valita Valeria Ellefson

April 7, 1934 - December 30, 2023