Age 76, of Flint, passed away on July 19, 2023. In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place. A service will be held, on September 9, 2023, at St Johns Catholic Church in Davison. Donations may be made to the Kidney Foundation of Michigan and the American Diabetes Association.  Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family on Ellis’ Tribute Wall at detroitcremationsociety.com.

Ellis Dawayne Cronkright was born on September 10, 1946, in Flint, Michigan, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Elsworth and Dorothy (Loomis) Cronkright. Ellis graduated from Kearsley High School, class of 1965. He was hired by General Motors in 1965, but like most healthy young men at that time, he was promptly drafted. Ellis enlisted in the Coast Guard, serving from 1966-1970. Upon his discharge, Ellis resumed working at General Motors, transferred to the Grand Blanc plant, attended school, and became a die maker. He enjoyed his job and the many friends he made through the years. He retired in 1999.

While in the Coast Guard, Ellis married Mary Cecilia Ohlschmidt of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. His son, Eric, was born in Wisconsin, and later, he and Mary had twins, Todd and Tonya. The marriage ended in divorce in 1992. A few years later, Ellis met Rosemary Slama Halloran, and they married on January 26, 1998.

Ellis and Rosemary remodeled their home together and traveled the United States. Ellis loved golf and had 2 HOLE in ONES, which he was very proud of. He golfed in almost every state they visited. One of his biggest disappointments was that he wasn’t healthy enough to golf with his granddaughter Emma, who, two years prior, had taken up the game. He also missed Morgan’s dance recitals and many softball games for both girls. He loved to barbeque and enjoyed entertaining his family and friends. At one time, he knew all of the neighbors on our street and was quick to lend a hand to those who needed help. He also loved woodworking, his winter entertainment, if not in Florida. His children and grandchildren meant the world to Ellis. He always had a joke to tell and never met a stranger. Ellis belonged to St. Johns Catholic Church in Davison, in which he had the honor to be an Usher for many years.

Ellis had been ill for four years and fought hard to stay with his family. In the end, he was on dialysis. The family would like to thank many friends, neighbors, McLaren Hospice, and The Pines of Burton Assisted Living for their help, encouragement, and care over the past few years.

Ellis is survived by his beloved wife; Rosemary Cronkright, of 25 years. Son, Eric Cronkright, and wife, Tori Cloud, of Wheatridge, CO. Daughter, Tonya Cronkright, and husband, Karl Benedek, of Eugene, OR. Son, Todd Cronkright, and wife, Trina, granddaughters, Emma and Morgan Cronkright, of Burton, MI. Goddaughter Susan Fernandez, of Sturgeon Bay, WI. Brother, Dennis Cronkright, of Gladwin, MI. Aunt Phyllis Cronkright, of Midland. MI, Sister-in-Law Nancy Cronkright of Ottawa, IL, and Linda Prescott, of Grants Pass, OR. Brother-in-Law, Steve (Carol) Slama, of Montrose, MI, and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, neighbor friends, golf buddies, and lunch group that were very dear to him.

Ellis is preceded in death by his parents, Elsworth and Dorothy Fay, his brother Gene, cousin Chuck Nast, Brother-in-Law Ray Prescott, nephew Jason Cronkright, and friend Bob Garrison.

Ellis’ obituary was written by his loving family.