Mary Joyce (Floto) Ellingboe

Mary Joyce (Floto) Ellingboe, age 89 who owned and operated Floto's gifts in downtown Grand Haven for many years, passed away the evening of Saturday, December 2, 2023. She was born on March 1, 1934 in Grand Haven, MI to the late Cornelia Ann (Bolt) and Percy C. Floto. 

Mary attended Michigan State University from 1952 to 1953. She then married Thomas William Ellingboe on May 26, 1962, and they started a family soon after while she worked part-time with her mother, Cornelia Floto, at the family business. Mary helped her mother transform the store through changes, from a home appliance store to its present-day gift store. A sharp businesswoman, she attended annual Chicago gift shows to get ideas on what to offer for sale at Floto's. Mary worked up until a month before her passing with her son, Paul, who took over as owner. Floto’s is now in its third generation of being run as a family business.

Mary was a life-long member of Second Reformed Church in Grand Haven and was a member of the Y.M.C.A. for many years. Her ability to operate a business, raise a family, and live in Grand Haven brought her great joy and happiness.

Mary is lovingly remembered and missed by her three sons: William Ellingboe, Paul (Kathi) Ellingboe, and Peter (Brenda) Ellingboe, all of Grand Haven; three beloved grandchildren: Noah (Lia) Ellingboe, Nicholas (Cami) Ellingboe (and their mother, Shelly Ellingboe), and Brittany (Nick) Knapp; her sister, Elizabeth Peel; brother, Peter (Mary Ann) Floto; brother-in-law, William (Marie) Ellingboe; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, Thomas Ellingboe on September 6, 2007; and brother-in-law, Richard Peel.

A Memorial Visitation and Celebration of Life for Mary will be held on Wednesday, December 13, 2023 from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. at Second Reformed Church. The family requests casual attire. Interment will be at Lake Forest Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Second Reformed Church or the Tri-Cities Historical Museum of Grand Haven.

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