Geraldine Grace Ellis

Geraldine Grace Ellis, aged 88, of Allen Park, Michigan, passed away surrounded by loved ones on March 7, 2026, at Rivergate Health Care Center in Riverview, Michigan. Born in Detroit on April 12, 1937, Geri grew up surrounded by her extended family, including her mother Fern Bergeron Wilde and father Robert Henry Wilde, along with a lively circle of aunts, uncles, cousins, and lifelong friends.

She married Richard James Philp in 1956, and together they had two daughters, Desiree Lynn and Sharee Denise. After Richard’s death in 1967, she married John Edmund Martin in 1969. They had one son, Robert Paul Martin, and she also became stepmother to John’s children, Michael and Tracey. In 1979, she married William Mather “Bill” Ellis, who brought two more children into her life, William Scott and Marion Christine. Their blended family, though complicated at times, was filled with love and laughter.

Geri worked in several roles throughout her life, including as a receptionist for an OB/GYN, an aide at the Allen Park Convalescent Home, and at Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Michigan and HAP, where she retired. In retirement, she discovered a passion for Arabian horses, which she rode and showed alongside her granddaughter Lindsey Berens (now Moreno). She later served as a Master Presenter at The Henry Ford.

A true character and social butterfly, Geri rarely entered a public place without recognizing someone she knew. She and Bill shared a deep love for raising dogs, including Chubs, Boomer, MacPherson, Rocky the Crime Labrador, Pudge, and Buddy. They cherished time with friends and family, hosting memorable parties at their home—the Great Pig Roast of 1983 among them—and spending peaceful days at their place in the woods near Indian River. They were beloved regulars at the American Legion Post 409, where their absurd, sometimes dark, and highly contagious sense of humor brought joy to everyone around them.

Geri was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Fern Wilde; her baby sister, Cheryl Ann; her first husband, Richard Philp; her daughters Desiree (Desi) Berens and Sharee Philp; her second husband, John Martin; and her beloved third husband, Bill Ellis, who passed in 2022. She is survived by her son Robert (Rob) Paul Martin and his wife Claudia Escobar; stepson Scott (Jenni) Ellis and stepdaughter Chris (Chris) Glynn; grandchildren Lindsey Moreno (Steve), Phil Berens (Allison), Hannah and Abby Glynn, Jaden and Gavin Ellis, Aaron Rankins, and Chris and Emily Martin; and great-grandchildren Steven Moreno III (Tayia Patten), Ava and Lucy Berens, and Emmet Rankins.