Ellen Pearl Guilds

Ellen Pearl Guilds of Caro, age 85, went home to be with the Lord on Christmas morning, with her family by her side. Ellen was born May 9, 1938 at the family home in Colwood, the daughter of the late Leo and Lillian (Hare) Lewis. She graduated from Caro High School with the class of 1956. On November 23, 1956 at the Colling Church of the Nazarene, Ellen was united in marriage with James Guilds. Together they shared over sixty-seven blessed years, six wonderful children, and many cherished memories. Ellen was an excellent homemaker, cook, and baker, baking the most delicious pies. She loved to sing, play the piano, and stay active by walking and exercising. Ellen never missed her favorite shows, Danny O’Donnell, the 700 Club, and her country and polka music programs. She worked at the Caro First Presbyterian Church as a secretary, as a janitor at the Caro Church of the Nazarene, cleaned the bank in town, filled prescriptions at the Caro Pharmacy, and helped out at Hills Orchard. At the age of sixty-five, Ellen graduated from Great Lakes Junior College in Caro, earning her associate degree in medical assisting with straight A’s. She was always there if you needed a helping hand, and her generosity knew no bounds. Ellen’s love and kindness will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Ellen leaves to cherish her memory, her devoted husband, James; children, Chery Baccei, Kim Guilds, Randy Guilds, Valerie Dickens, Rhonda & Mike Avila, and Crystal & Jeff Biddle; grandchildren, Justin Guilds, Joshua Bader, Joey Humpert, Jeremiah Avila, Jonathan Baccei, James Avila, Jordan Guilds, Justin Avila, Jacob Guilds, Jessey Dickens, Jennifer Avila, Josiah Dickens, and Kaleigh Biddle; great-grandchildren, Olivia, Conner, Caleb, Joey Jr., Josephina, Ryleigh, Elianna, Jason, Jacob, Caleb, Colbie, Carson, Sophie, and one on the way; siblings, Ruth Likens and Ronald Lewis; many beloved nieces and nephews; dear friends, Virginia Becker, Deb Lesko, and Nancy Hornbacher. In addition to her parents, Ellen was preceded in death by her siblings, John Lewis, Esther Jamison, Beatrice Kosto, and Wilma Lewis.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the Caro Church of the Nazarene with Rev. Paul McNett officiating. The family will be present for visitors on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at the church. The family would like to extend a heart-felt thank you to the special nieces that have helped with Ellen’s care over the past few weeks. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to the Caro Church of the Nazarene.