Ellsworth Lee Stout

ANN ARBOR- Ellsworth Lee Stout, 81, formerly of Adrian died on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at Ascension Providence Hospital in Novi. Ellsworth was born on January 20, 1942, in Detroit, MI, the only son of Reed and Lelea (Hummer) Stout. The family moved to Lenawee County in 1945 and Ellsworth graduated from Adrian High School in 1959. He went on to attend Michigan State University. Ellsworth served his country in the National Guard and Army Reserve from 1964 to 1974 during the Vietnam era, discharged honorably as First Lieutenant. On April 1, 1967, Ellsworth married Mary Elizabeth Sailer at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Monroe, MI. During their 56 years of marriage, they raised 3 children, created many memories as a family, and grew in faith and love. They belong to St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Ann Arbor. Ellsworth's career in insurance covered several decades. He worked at John Hancock in Adrian, Monroe, and Birmingham, MI, and Solon, Ohio for 20 years before moving to Gleaner Life Insurance in Adrian, MI in 1987. Ellsworth filled many roles during his 25 years at Gleaner, including the title of President and CEO for his last 5 years, before retiring in 2012. Ellsworth’s strong work ethic was evident in everything he did, but when it was time to relax he enjoyed being outdoors. He was involved with the National Ski Patrol for 40 years, starting in Irish Hills and working throughout Michigan, ending his service at TreeTops Ski Resort in Gaylord. In addition to skiing, he loved golfing, fishing, and hunting. Ellsworth contributed his time and talents to many organizations, including the Rotary Club of Saline, receiving the Paul Harris Fellow recognition, American Legion Post 275, Vietnam Veterans of America, Amvets, TriCounty Sportsman Club, Lenawee Country Club, Hidden Lake Gardens and Olivet College Insurance Advisory committee. He was past president of the National Fraternal Insurance Counselors and the Michigan Insurance Counselors and served on the board of the Yankee Air Museum at Willow Run airport. Ellsworth made room to meet up and stay connected to lifetime friends. He was a gifted dynamic speaker with a radio-announcer voice who was always willing to share his stories and impart his knowledge to others. In addition to his wife, Mary, Ellsworth is survived by their children, Christopher Reed (Stephanie) Stout of McLean, VA, Heather Marie (Timothy) Goodchild of Novi and Emily Elizabeth (Michael) Petrous of Saline; and 5 grandchildren, Ethan, Griffin, Harper, Crosby, and Beckett. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Mary Lu Stout. Visitation will occur on Friday, January 12, 2024, from 2 to 8 p.m. at Wagley Funeral Home, Adrian. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Family Parish, St. Mary’s Campus in Adrian with Fr. Michael Newman, OSFS, as celebrant; with visitation from 9:30 a.m. until the mass begins. Burial will follow at Palmyra cemetery following a luncheon. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Holy Family Parish, American Legion Post #97 or the Lenawee County Historical Society. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.WagleyFuneralHomes.com.

Ellsworth Lee Stout

January 20, 1942 - January 2, 2024