William Elisha Ely

William Elisha Ely, 74, of Swanton passed away on Monday, April 27, 2020 at Swanton Healthcare with his loving wife of 52 years by his side. Bill was born on October 12, 1945 to the late Edson and Alberta (Jenkins) Ely in Toledo, Ohio. He graduated from Rogers High School in 1962. In 1962, he married the love of his life, Linda (Gleason) Ely. He worked for many years as a truck driver for Allied Paving Inc., but he will be remembered most for the enjoyment he found in golf, bowling, watching NASCAR, and collecting coins and diecast cars. Above all, Bill enjoyed spending time with those whom he loved; he especially looked forward to their annual Christmas and 4th of July parties, which brought the whole family together. Left to lovingly cherish his memory are his loving wife, Linda (Gleason) Ely; his sister, Mildred Waganfeald; their eight godchildren, Tammy Fehser, Trisha Warner, David Lemon, Todd, Kaylee, Mitch, Tonya, and Ryan Buck; his two brothers-in-law, Charles Gleason, Butch Gleason, and Robert Staifer; his sisters-in-law, Joyce Lemon and Susan Ankey; aunt, Margaret Jenkins Foote; Linda and Bill's best friends, Mitch and Karen Buck; and their beloved dog, Gizmo. Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Edson and Alberta (Jenkins) Ely; two brothers, Edson Ely and Earl Jenkins; two sisters, Sondra and Charlotte Ely; two sisters-in-law, Barbra Staifer, May Jo Prather and Dianna Gleason; and his brothers-in-law Bud Ankney, Chuck Lemon, and Jack Waganfeald. A time of visitation, with strict social distancing requirements, will be held on Monday, May 4, 2020 from 2-8pm at Walker Funeral Home (5155 W. Sylvania Avenue, Toledo, OH 43623). A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, May 5, 2020 at 11 A.M. in the funeral home, with Pastor Ralph Steubs of Zion Lutheran Church officiating. Entombment will immediately follow at Ottawa Hills Memorial Park.