Grace Tornga

Grace Lucille Tornga, 98, of Ellsworth, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at Mallard Cove Assisted Living in Petoskey with her family at her side. She was born on October 9, 1926, in Banks Township, the daughter of Milford and Clara (Humiston) McElroy.

Grace was a lifelong resident of Ellsworth, and on March 26, 1945, she married her first and only love, John Tornga, in Ellsworth. While John worked as a finish carpenter, Grace took care of their two children and their home.  Together, she and John tended to their large vegetable garden, camped all around Northern Michigan, and enjoyed bus trips later in life.  She had a green thumb and also kept lovely, flourishing flower gardens around their house.  Grace adored each of her grandchildren and always looked forward to any time spent with them.

Grace is survived by her daughter, Judy Jaratz of Central Lake; four grandchildren, Laray (Jim) Barraw of Ellsworth, Shelly (Peter) Jenkins of Caledonia, Kelly M. of Charlevoix, and Steven (Rhonda) Tornga of Ellsworth; twelve great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Milford and Clara McElroy; her beloved husband, John Tornga; her son, Steve Tornga; and three sisters, Alice Tornga, Caroline Garen, and Mary Best.

Grace will be laid to rest in Ellsworth Cemetery next to John.

Arrangements are in the care of the Ellsworth Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign her online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com