Mary Ellen Ress peacefully went to be with her beloved Lord and Savior on January 9th, 2024. She was welcomed into Heaven by her husband, Richard; her daughters, Patty and Kathy; grandson, Junior; and many other loved ones. Her legacy lives on through her children, David (Dawn), Michael, Peggy; as well as her grandchildren, Jason (Jenee), Chris (Cortney), Ryan (Bambi), Sarah, and Weldon; and son-in-law, Chuck. She was also a cherished great-grandmother to Kaylor, Afton, Kayden, Lonnie, Harper, and Remi. Mary was born in Massillon, OH on April 17th, 1934. She had a love for children and spent 30 years as a 3rd grade teacher. Her retirement was full of laughter, joy, love, and adventure with her family. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. on Friday, January 12 at St. Sebastian Catholic Church, 9408 Wilson Ave. SW, Byron Center, with Msgr. Bill Duncan officiating. Burial will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery in St. Louis, MO. Relatives and friends may meet the family Thursday from 6-8 p.m. at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home, 616 E. Main St. SE, Caledonia and also on Friday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. prior to the service at church. A rosary service will be held 8 p.m. on Thursday following the visitation at the funeral home. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children or the Sisters of Notre Dame in Chardon, OH.