Coping with Grief
We would like to offer our sincere support to anyone coping with grief. Enter your email below for our complimentary daily grief messages. Messages run for up to one year and you can stop at any time. Your email will not be used for any other purpose.
Michael Allen Ellington, 71, of Grafton, passed away on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at Mon General Hospital.
He was born September 7, 1954, in Grafton, the son of the late Frances Ann Ellington. Mike was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Joy Elaine Louzy Ellington, on November 15, 2023, the love of his life.
A proud 1972 graduate of Grafton High School, Mike served as Drum Major of the marching band before continuing his education at West Virginia University, where he earned his Master’s Degree in Administration. WVU became much more than his alma mater—it became his life’s work. He dedicated his career to West Virginia University in administration until his retirement and remained a proud Mountaineer throughout his life.
Mike was a member of the Grafton Rotary Club, the WVU Band Alumni, and a faithful member of Warren United Methodist Church, where he enjoyed serving alongside his church family. Whether attending church events, cheering on the Mountaineers, or watching the Pride of West Virginia Marching Band perform, Mike found joy in the people and traditions he loved.
He also enjoyed music, reading, and writing, but above all, he will be remembered as a kind, humble man whose life was defined by faith, service, and unwavering devotion to his family, church, community, and West Virginia University.
Mike is survived by his son, Leland Reed (Therese); and his brother, Richard Anthony Ellington (Kerrie); one niece, Nevaeh Ann Ellington; one nephew, Zackery Mowrer; several cousins.
In addition to his mother and wife, he was preceded in death by his grandparents, Joe and Marriah Ellington.
Family and friends may call at Bartlett Funeral Home, 202 McGraw Ave., Grafton, on Sunday, July 26, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m., and on Monday, July 27, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. funeral service with Pastor Terry Osborne officiating. Interment will follow at Bluemont Cemetery.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at http://www.bartlettfuneralhomewv.com.
Bartlett Funeral Home is honored to serve the Ellington family.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Michael Allen Ellington, please visit our floral store.