Ishpeming Twp., MI- Ellen Korpi Tippett of West Ishpeming passed into heaven to join her husband on Wednesday, October 5, 2022, at Eastwood Nursing Center, with loved ones at her side.  She was 97 years young, and one month shy of her 98th birthday.

Ellen grew up on a Finnish family farm in the Fire Center Location, north of Ishpeming, walking three miles to attend a one-room schoolhouse (Fire Center School), where she learned to speak English in kindergarten.  Her fluency in the Finnish language allowed her to communicate in Finnish with her extended family members in Finland, and with her husband she traveled to the Finnish family homestead to meet her cousins in person.  She translated many documents from Finnish to English over the years, and compiled family history and memories which she detailed in memory books that she created for her children.

Ellen was a gifted creator of handmade treasures, and she passed this gift on to her children.  She wove heirloom baskets, was an exceptional seamstress and quilter, stitched with silk ribbon embroidery and candle wicking, loved to stencil, and knitted countless pairs of mittens.  She was a resourceful woman, passing her skills by example to her children and grandchildren, who were her pride and joy and the focus of her life. She loved to bestow her handmade creations on her loved ones. Ellen also instilled a love of reading in her children and grandchildren.

Ellen's proficiency in office skills were utilized when employed at Bethel Lutheran Church, Sawyer-Stoll Wood Preserving, and Ishpeming Building Supply.  Ellen acquired her first computer when she was 75 years old, and quickly caught on to Facebook. She had talented photo editing skills and loved designing on her desktop and laptop computers.

Ellen was a lifelong member of Bethel Lutheran Church where she was baptized, confirmed and married.  She was a devoted wife to Dewey whom she married in 1947.  They were married for 64 years until his passing in 2011.  Together they made their home on Copper Street where they raised four children and loved spending time at their beloved camp on Casey Lake.

Ellen is survived by her four children: Trina (Jerry) Fluur of Florence, WI; Mary Tippett of Ishpeming; Walt (Pam) Tippett of Oskaloosa, IA; and Annie Tippett (Richard Morris) of Eaton Rapids, MI; Ten grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren; Her sister Amanda Santti.

Ellen is preceeded in death by her husband, Dewey Tippett; her parents, Matt and Hilda Korpi; three brothers, Arvid Korpi, Matt Korpi, Arthur Korpi; three sisters, Corrine Lucas, Hilda Korpi, and Hilma Korpi.

Ellen's family will greet relatives and friends from 10:00 to 11:00 on Saturday, October 8 ^th at Bethel Lutheran Church in Ishpeming where her funeral service will be held at 11:00 am with Rev. Steve Weston officiating. A luncheon will follow in the church fellowship hall.

Memorials may be directed to Bethel Lutheran Church Memorial Fund in memory of Ellen.

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Eastwood Nursing Center for their compassion, loving care and thoughtfulness of our mom during the past four years.

Ellen's obituary may be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.