Richard Wayne “Dick” Ellsworth, age 87, of Stockbridge, MI, passed away on November 9, 2026, at his home in Iosco Township.
Dick was born on October 25, 1939, in Lansing, MI, and was adopted at age two by Charles Wayne and Gussie Ellsworth. He grew up in Stockbridge and graduated from Stockbridge High School in 1958. On January 4, 1958, he married Doris (Messner) in Plainfield, MI, and together they shared 68 years of marriage.
Dick was always good with his hands, and in 1967, he built the home where he and Doris raised their family. They were longtime members of Plainfield United Methodist Church. Dick worked for many years as a CNC operator and also served as a police officer for the Village of Stockbridge.
An avid outdoorsman, Dick enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time outdoors. He especially enjoyed the fishing trips he took over the years. He loved animals and raised hunting dogs. He also enjoyed coaching girls' softball. A devoted sports fan, he was a die-hard University of Michigan and Detroit Lions fan. Dick was active at the Gregory Senior Center, where he made many friends. Above all, he loved his family and the time he spent with them. He was a devoted husband, father, and proud grandfather and great-grandfather.
Dick is survived by his wife, Doris; four children: Deborah Hart of St. Joe, MI, Michelle Peterson of Lansing, MI, Tammie (James) Heeney of Stockbridge, and Teresa (Skip) Ellsworth-DeForest of Dansville; eight grandchildren: Deanna, Kayla, Kegan, Maranda, Tracey, Gordon E., Tyler, and Anna; twelve great-grandchildren, Charlie, Milo, Kendall, Marley, Mila, Austin, Taelor, Gordon B., Katelynn, Emma, Caleb, and Christopher; and a niece, Carol Curry.
He was preceded in death by a son, Eric Wayne Ellsworth, his sister, Phyllis Calkins, and his parents, Charles Wayne and Gussie Ellsworth.
Visitation will be held at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home on Thursday, November 12, 2026, from 4-7 p.m., and Friday, November 13, 2026, from 10-11 a.m.
Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Friday, November 13, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Rhonda Osterman officiating. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery in Stockbridge, MI.
Memorial contributions may be made to Livingston County EMS or Elara Caring Hospice.
Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home.
