Michael Anthony Ellena

Michael A. Ellena

Born: September 26, 1958; Spring Valley

Died: March 12, 2021; Rowlett, Texas

Rowlett, Texas – Michael Anthony Ellena, 62, died in Rowlett, Texas, on March 12, 2021, when he lost his battle to cancer.

He was born in Spring Valley, IL, on September 26, 1958 to Tony and Irma Ellena.  Mike worked side by side with his father on the family farm and at Ellena Construction.  He graduated from Putnam County High School in 1976 and married Gayle (Jones) on February 4, 1978.

Mike quickly made a name for himself in the car business.  He started selling cars at Big Billy Barrett’s in Dallas, and then became a self-employed automobile wholesaler.  He worked out of the Image 1 building on Northwest Highway in Dallas for many years.  Mike continued to buy and sell cars until his illness would no longer allow him to do so.  He loved his profession.

Mike’s greatest passion was time spent with his family.  He also played many games of golf and shuffleboard throughout the years.  Although he enjoyed the games, it was time spent with friends while playing the games that he enjoyed the most.  If Mike was your friend, you had a true friend.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Tony and Irma Ellena; and his sister, Diane Ellena.

Mike leaves behind a family that adored him as much as he adored them.  He is survived by his wife, Gayle; two daughters, Shawna and Andrea Ellena; his son-in-law, Stoney Adams; his grandson, Anthony Ellena; his granddaughter, Delaney Adams; his sisters, Helen (Fran) Aimone, Emma Haywood, Toni Sabotta, Kathy (Rich) VanBeuning, Mary (Jerry) Mooberry, Laurie (Dan) Kotecki and Shelly (Brad) Kays; and many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive guests at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 17, 2021 at Dysart – Cofoid Funeral Chapel, Granville.  There will be celebration of Mike’s life at 3:30 p.m.  Any stories, thoughts or memories you might like to share during the service will be welcome. 

A memorial service was held on April 9 at Eastgate Funeral Home in Garland, Texas.

Mike has requested donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Dallas, Texas.

Online condolences may be made to his family at www.dcfunerals.com

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