Ella C. ThelenWilliamstonElla C. Thelen, of Williamston, Michigan, age 94, passed away on Friday, November 11, 2016, in Williamston.  She was born on October 9, 1922, in Pewamo, MI, the daughter of Oscar M. and Dorthea (Wohlschiedt) Cook.  On March 28, 1941, she married Alvin J. Thelen in Fowler, MI, and he preceded her in death in 1998.  She had lived in Williamston since 1965, moving from Fowler, and her home parish was St. Mary Catholic Church in Williamston.  She was raised on a farm and was very proud to be a farmgirl.  She loved the Lord and was very strong in her faith.  For 26 years, she and her husband Alvin were the owners of Western Auto, from 1965-1991.  Ella touched many lives and hearts; she was loved by many and never had an unkind word for anyone.  She also enjoyed gardening, plants, birds, butterflies, and singing.Surviving are her children: Larry (Jean) Thelen, Ronald (Coralee) Thelen, Daniel (Carol) Thelen, Roger (Diane) Thelen, Wayne (Elaine) Thelen, Diane (David) Hall, and Susan (Dan) Bauer; 17 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren; her siblings: Marcia Cook, Jenny (Robert) Weber, James (Jean) Cook, Donald (Barbara) Cook, Roy (Dee) Cook, and Leon (Jeanne) Cook; and her siblings-in-law: Dennis (Margie) Thelen, Mary Louise Leather, Sally Thelen, and Mary Ann Thelen, along with many special nieces and nephews.  In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her siblings: Bernita Fedewa, Isabelle Wilson, Angela Coonrod, Dorothy Golata, Cay DeYoung, and David Cook, and her brothers-in-law: Eldred, Cletus, and Edgar Thelen.Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 14, 2016, at St. Mary Catholic Church, Williamston, with Fr. Mark Rutherford presiding.  Burial will take place at Mount Calvary Cemetery, Williamston.  The family will receive friends at the church on Sunday from 3-8 p.m., with the Rosary prayed at 7:00 p.m.  Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary Catholic Church, Williamston, or St. Vincent de Paul.  Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.