Ellen Louise Whitehead (Pilgram), 89, of Vassar, passed away on Wednesday, March 11th at Fisher Senior Care. Ellen was born on August 3rd, 1936, in Roscommon to the late John and Bertha Pilgram (Leeds).

She grew up and graduated school in Roscommon County, and worked as a telephone operator in Roscommon. One of her favorite stories was how she talked to Charlton Heston.

She married Willard “Rusty” Whitehead on November 4th, 1955 in Mt. Morris.

She raised four daughters in their Millington home before moving to Vassar. The couple moved to Houghton Lake. While living in Houghton Lake, she raised numerous Shetland Sheepdogs and played on pool leagues.

Ellen was an avid gardener, who loved being surrounded by her flowers. She also loved wild birds, often watching hummingbirds from her porch. Some of her favorite memories are of Jordan River Valley and the orchids that she would find with her sisters.

Ellen is survived by her daughter, Autumn (Frank) Shavrnoch of Millington, her grandchildren Amber (Stephen) Hughey, Jared Shavrnoch, Greggory Peltonen and four great-grandchildren.

Ellen was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her daughter Cindy Whitehead, her granddaughter Jill Lindros, and her sisters.

At the request of Ellen, there will be no services.

Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to direct them to the Houghton Lake Public Library or the Bullard Sanford Memorial Library of Vassar.

Kindly share a memory with Ellen's family in the guestbook below.

Ellen and her family are in the care of Hanlin Funeral Home - Millington. Address: 4823 Main Street, Millington, MI 48746. Phone (989) 871-4591.

Hanlin Funeral Homes ~ Serving Since 1928