Ella “Ellie” Kazik, age 72, of Gresham passed away on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at her home. Ellie was born on January 28, 1954, in Shawano to the late Harry and Leona (Beilke) Malone. She was a member of the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohican Indians; where she was very involved in her community and with her tribal family. Ellie worked for many years as payroll manager and community manager within the Stockbridge Tribe. She was proud to have been the first legal secretary for the Stockbridge Tribe and worked at Bowler school; she considered herself jack of all trades. Ellie strived to ensure that the needs of the Elders were honored, the youth were uplifted and the traditions were preserved for generations yet to come. Her voice at the Council table reflected both wisdom and humility, always guided by a steadfast belief in the importance of cultural preservation and the future of the Nation. Ellie truly embodied the values of respect, responsibility and unity that define the Mohican people. Beyond her role in governance Ellie will be remembered for her warmth, kindness and the ability to bring people together.

On June 10, 1972, Ellie was united in marriage to Melvin Kazik in Beauford, South Carolina on the Military Base. The couple spent a wonderful 49 years together making memories, sharing many laughs and building a beautiful life and family. In her free time, she enjoyed beading, sowing and being a big part of the Blasted Book Club. Ellie came from a very humble beginning and treat everyone fairly; if someone needed help she was there to lend a helping hand or just to listen and give advice. She loved her community, but her family was her world; never missed an opportunity to spend time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was always there for her children. Ellie was a wonderful mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She will be deeply missed but the memories will last for generations to come.

Ella is survived by her children, Kimberley (Warren) Hoffman, Melvin “Toad” (Kristin) Kazik Jr., Thomas “Tom” (Samantha) Kazik and Lenore “Pun’kin” (Mike) Shepard; grandchildren, KimmiLei (Jeremy), Violet (Martin), LaRie (Angel), Trae, James (Kelsie), Thomas (Brianne) II, Bailee, Tristin, Jada, Waylon (Débora), Jake (Amber), Katelyne, Madison, Melaina, Maiyah, Leilah and Jamie; great-grandchildren, Keiannah, Ava, Kenai, Johnny, Jr., Everleigh, Sitka, Angelice, Emiliano, Hendrix, Jerrick, Rennin, Hayes, Arydyn, Ellasynn and Teran; sisters, Margaret Wasrud and Barbara Malone; furry sister, Sage Bucket; in-laws, Eungene Kazik, Ellen Kazik, Edwin Kazik, Ellie Schilling, Earl Kazik, Elizabeth (Floyd) Bohm, Angie (Mark) Reimer, Pat (Linda) Kazik, Joanie (John) Stuempges, Jan (Amy) Kazik, Nancy Stephani and Charlie (Steve) Wollenberg. She is further survived by numerous special nephews & nieces, Maunee Granquist, Geronimo St. Germaine, Elmer (Muttley) Welch, Justin Welch and Nadly ‘Tooter’ Moede.

Ella is preceded in death by her husband, Melvin Kazik, Sr.; baby girl in infancy; many grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; numerous siblings, Harry Malone, Dorothy “Sue” Moede, Robert “Boog” Malone, James “Gumps” Malone and Mary Malone; in-laws, Judy Kazik, Elaine Charles, Ervin (Butch) Kazik, Evelyn Kazik and Marilee Kazik; and parents, Harry and Leona Malone.

Inurnment of Ellie and Melvin will be held at 10:00 am on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at Red Springs Cemetery in Gresham. Celebration of their lives to follow at Stockbridge Family Center.