Matthew Ellis
Master at Arms First Class, U.S. Naval Reserves
March 28, 1973 - Sept. 25, 2008 NILES - Master at Arms First Class Matthew T. Ellis, U.S. Naval Reserves, 35, of Big Boulder Drive, Virginia Beach, VA, formerly of Niles, MI, died at 8:32 p.m. Thursday in his home. Mr. Ellis was born on March 28,1973, in Niles, to David Michael and Marsha Christine (Narad) Ellis. Two years ago he moved from Brunswick, Maine, to Virginia Beach. He was a veteran of the Persian Gulf War, having served in the United States Navy, and has been with the United States Navy Reserves since 2003. Matthew had been employed with the Department of Defense as a police officer with the Naval Special Warfare Group Detachment, Virginia Beach, VA. Matthew graduated in 1991 from Niles High School. He earned his Associate Degree in Science from Gray's Lake Community College. He was a lifetime member of the V.F.W. Post in Lemon Grove, California. Hunting and fishing were his passion, along with spending time with his children. On March 23, 1996, he married Chief Petty Officer Terri Heather (Chelius) Ellis, U.S. Navy, who survives. He is also survived by his son, Matthew T. Ellis, and daughter, Morgan E. Ellis, both at home; parents, David Michael and Marsha C. Ellis of Niles; grandmother, Yvonne J. Narad of Summerset, Pennsylvania; brother, Mike (Michele) Ellis of Cassopolis; a sister, Melanie (Brad) Woods of Niles; several nieces and nephews. Funeral services for Matthew T. Ellis will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 2nd, in Hope Community Church, Niles, with Rev. Susan Mazer Winger of Allegheny Lutheran Synod, Altoona, Pennsylvania, officiating. Burial will follow at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens in Niles, where full military honors will be performed by the U.S. Navy, Midwest Region, Great Lakes, Illinois, and American Legion Post #51, Buchanan. Family and friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today in the church. Arrangements were made by Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles. Memorial contributions may be made to the Matthew T. Ellis Children's Memorial Fund at United Federal Credit Union, c/o P.O. Box 1231, Niles, MI 49120.