Ellen L. Schaefer-Allen

Ellen L. Schaefer-Allen, age 91, of Flushing, passed away on Saturday, March 14, 2026. Born on November 14, 1934, in Midland, Michigan, to the late Matthew and Elizabeth (Peppler) Dyer, Ellen graduated from St. Mary's in Mt. Morris in 1953 and later attended Mott Community College.

In 1953 she married her first husband, Robert L. Schaefer. Together they raised five children: Mike, Dawn, Pat, Jimmy, and Holly. Robert passed away in 1981. Ellen later found love again with Andrew J. Allen; they married in 1984 and shared many years until his passing in 2005.

Ellen worked for nearly a decade at Jensen Greenhouse, where her love of sunshine and the outdoors found a perfect home. For 55 years she bowled in women's leagues, primarily at Colonial Lanes, competing at the national level for 25 consecutive years and at the state level for 38 years. She will be remembered for her creative spirit and tireless crafting. She sewed countless outfits, baptism gowns, and costumes for her children and grandchildren. Ellen cherished her grandchildren deeply, sharing joyful hours baking, canning pickles, crafting, playing games, and tending her fishpond. Time spent with her was always an adventure.

She is survived by her five children, Mike (Ruth) Schaefer, Dawn (Denny) Allen, Pat (Jen) Schaefer, Jimmy (Joanie) Schaefer, and Holly (Chris) Schneider; 14 cherished grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and her sisters, Darlene (Dick) Coulter and Kathleen Quinn. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. In addition to her parents and husbands, she was preceded in death by her infant great-grandson, Colton, and her sisters, Jane Hilton, Ann O'Brien, and Nadine Bryan.