William Charles Ely July 3, 1919 - May 29, 2014 Ypsilanti, MI William Charles Ely, age 94, known as Bill to his friends, passed away Thursday, May 29, 2014 of natural causes. Bill, a lifelong resident of Ypsilanti, was born July 3, 1919, the son of Joseph and Mamie (Block) Ely. He had two older brothers, John and Robert Bob and one sister Betty. The three brothers remained close throughout their childhood and adult lives sharing avid passions for outdoor activities. On June 30, 1945, Bill married his high school sweetheart, Marion, after returning from his service in the U.S. Army during World War II, and she preceded him in death April 29, 2012. Bill and Marion raised one son, Daniel, of whom they were very proud. Bill was an accounting supervisor at the University of Michigan. His hobbies included woodworking, fishing, being outdoors with his dogs, golf and playing cards with his wife and friends. He was also an active member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Ypsilanti. Survivors include: his son Daniel Ely and his wife Penny of Ypsilanti; his granddaughter Barbara Winfield and her husband Jason of Tubac, AZ; and many extended family including nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his wife, Marion, he was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, John, Robert and Betty. The funeral mass will be 11 am Wednesday, June 4, 2014 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 410 W. Cross Street, Ypsilanti with Fr. Bob Roggenbuck as celebrant. Burial will follow in St. John Cemetery. Contributions in his memory may be made to the donors choice. Envelopes are available at Stark Funeral Service where the family will receive friends 6-9 pm Tuesday. There will also be visitation at the church from 10 am until time of mass Wednesday. Bill had a full and wonderful life, surrounded by friends and family. He lived simply, happily, and peacefully and died as he lived: loved by all who knew him. Visitation Tuesday June 3, 2014, 06:00 pm - 09:00 pm at Stark Funeral Service Visitation Wednesday June 4, 2014, 10:00 am - 11:00 am at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Funeral Mass Wednesday June 4, 2014, 11:00 am at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Guest book Share your thoughts and memories in the guestbook.