Mary Ellen Strickfaden, 88, of Salem Township, died Tuesday, Aug. 16, at Rehoboth Oaks Dementia Care Home in Burnips.

Mrs. Strickfaden was born Nov. 6, 1927, in Allegan, the daughter of Arthur and Laura (Smith) Tagg.

Mary Ellen attended Burnips United Methodist Church for many years. She worked from 1945 to 1959 at Rockwell International Corporation, then stayed home to raise her family. She rejoined the workforce as a proofreader and purchaser for the Flashes Publishers, Inc., where she retired after 15 years of service.

Mary Ellen loved to be busy and was a giving person, volunteering her time to assist Dollars for Scholars and their efforts to help young people succeed. Before dementia took so much from her, she lived a beautiful life with her late husband, Edgar, and their children.

Mary Ellen is survived by her daughters: Carol Shelton and Connie and Bruce Elliott; seven grandchildren: Scott Dreyer, Anne and Jeremy Hassevoort, Christian Elliott, Dana Elliott, Courtney and Jordan Schader, Kaylie Shelton, Matthew and Holly Seay-Pelak; five great-grandchildren: Cody, Tyler, Adriana, Isabella and Marissa; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Edgar; one brother, Benjamin Tagg; and two sisters, Willa Lankerd and Ethel Phillips.

Friends may meet with the family from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 18, at the Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, where the funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 19, Pastor Nancy Patera officiating. Interment to take place at Salem Township Cemetery

Memorials may be made in Mary Ellen’s name to the Burnips United Methodist Church, 4241 30th Street, Burnips, MI 49314.