HELEN "DOLLY" P. ENSIGN

Helen “Dolly” P. Ensign, 95, of L’Anse, died peacefully Tuesday afternoon, May 10, 2022 at Bayside Village Nursing Home in L’Anse where she had been a resident for several years. 

Helen was born on July 20, 1926 in Pequaming, Michigan to the late Edward P. Rock Sr. And Sarah J.(LaParche) Rock.

She married William C. Ensign in 1945 in Saginaw, MI. Her husband, William, preceded her in death on Dec. 6, 1996.

They had three children, two of which survive:  son, Gary (Jeanette) Ensign of Saginaw, MI., and daughter, Tammy Williams of Franklin, IN.  Their third child, son, William R. Ensign passed away in 1976.  Their son-in-law, Danny R. Williams passed away 4/2021.

Helen is survived by ten grandchildren; Denise, Lori, Gary, Michelle, Jaymee, Stephanie, Jerry, Brian, Michael, and Shelby; numerous great-grandchildren, and one great, great grandchild on the way; she also leaves behind numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews; and a very special niece, Carol, that was very kind and helpful to her.

Helen was the youngest and the last survivor of seven children; brothers, James and John Rock (identical twins), and Edward P. Rock Jr.; sisters, Ada Almli, Stella Getzen, and Dorothy Ross.

Helen and her husband lived most of their married life together in Saginaw, MI.  In 1969, after her husband retired, they moved back to the U.P. where they both were born and grew up.  She grew up in Pequaming and he was born and grew up in Marquette.  Both loved the outdoors and together they enjoyed fishing, berry picking, picking rocks, and spending time at their camp in Sidnaw.

In addition to outdoor activities, Helen enjoyed crocheting, knitting, gardening, playing cribbage, and helping friends in need.  She also worked as a nurse’s aide years ago at Winkler’s Nursing Home.

She was well known in the area for her beautiful afghans, christening gowns and such.  There was never a shortage of chooks or warm mittens around for cold winter days of play for the grandchildren.  She never watched a movie or TV program without knitting needles or a crochet hook in her hand.

Unfortunately, several years ago, Helen suffered multiple strokes and was no longer able to do her hand work and gardening that she loved to do all her life. 

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, May 31, 2022 at 11 am in the Baraga Cemetery with Rev. Corey Litzner officiating.

Canale & Pennock Funeral Service in Ishpeming is assisting the family where memories may be shared at canalepennock.com

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