Eloise (Ellie) Janette Millikan Moore went to be with the Lord on Feb 15, 2020 in Lawrenceville, GA. Ellie was born in Rensselaer, Indiana on Feb 1, 1935. Daughter of Lloyd R. & Shirley Frances VanNatta. She was preceded in death by her parents, by her brother Lorrin, and by an infant son who lived for only a few days.
After having her name, mispronounced throughout all her early years, Eloise (E Loyce) made a break from her legal name and dubbed herself “Ellie” at the start of her college career at Taylor University. She married fellow Taylor University student, Paul Millikan in Upland, Indiana on June 3, 1957 and they were married for 20 years. Ellie and Paul had 3 children: Patricia Hansen (Dennis), Margie Arm (Matthew) and Jay Millikan (Michelle). The family enjoyed their lives together in Upland, IN, Fredericksburg, VA and Portage, MI following Paul’s assignments and teaching career. Ellie and Paul had 5 Grandchildren, Brian Hansen (Kristie & great granddaughter, Ellie, who was named in her honor), Brent Hansen (Anna and great granddaughter, Riley), Kelsey Wright (CJ), Natalie Arm, Andy Millikan, and Tony Millikan.
Ellie was adamant about being at home with her young children, raising them herself and providing them with consistency and positivity. When they were in school she worked in positions that would allow for a high level of involvement in their young lives. She worked at Emergency Medical Systems, became licensed as an Emergency Medical Technician and worked behind the scenes at Kalamazoo Public Museum. Ellie started a small maintenance business and she enjoyed owning and managing a number of small rental properties. Eventually Ellie was able to work in the field of Psychology at Ionia Correctional Facility and Kalamazoo Regional Psychiatric Hospital where she worked with the criminally insane.
Ellie married Rev. John L. Moore in Portage, Michigan on Sep 27, 1982. Ellie and John lived their lives together in Portage, Berrien Springs, Kalamazoo, Galesburg, Union City and back to Portage following John’s pastoral assignments at various Free Methodist and United Methodist churches. John’s children Paul Moore (Donna) Judy Steele (Ken), Gayla Toot (Barry) and Stephen Moore were mostly grown when they got married. John and Ellie’s grandchildren include Carrie Pettigrew, Marcus Pettigrew, Angie Orellana, Calvin Pettigrew, and Dr Karl Toot. Ellie really valued her relationships with all of John’s family.
Ellie worked hard to balance her personal & professional life with her role as pastor’s wife. She put family first. She enjoyed helping people as a professional and was elated when she could make a difference for someone else. She loved teaching and participating in church Sunday school and Bible studies. Her life was so enriched by so many relationships within her ever evolving personal, professional and church family.
Ellie lived the last decade of her life with varying degrees of progressive blindness. She was an analytical thinker, and she always devised “systems” for everything. This knack helped her immensely as she adapted to the challenges of her sightless world.
Ellie loved the Lord and she loved her family. She was caring and she was so kind. Even when faced with her own significant challenges she was always concerned with the well-being of others. She was a giver and she was a true psychologist by her very nature.
Condolences may be sent to (husband) Rev. John Moore, 10100 Commons St., Lone Tree, CO, 80124 or (daughter) Margie Arm, 2284 Golden Rod Ct., Jamison, PA 18929.
Last Updated on June 15, 2020