Bruce Ellsworth Toms
October 29, 1927 - July 12, 2026
Bruce Ellsworth Toms Obituary
Benzonia, MI - Bruce Ellsworth Toms, age 98, passed to his heavenly home on July 12, 2026, at The Homesteader Senior Apartments in Benzonia, Michigan. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His faith in Jesus and his family were the center of his life. He leaves behind a legacy of integrity, wise guidance, compassion and devotion.
Bruce was born on October 29, 1927, in Highland Park, Michigan, to Robert and Vera (Harper) Toms. He graduated from Lincoln Park High School and earned his Engineering degree from the University of Michigan. Bruce worked at Ford Motor Company as a principal engineer for 40 years. He met his wife, Anna Fetherolf at Pennsylvania Power and Light Company in Selinsgrove and they were married on September 18, 1954, at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Freeburg, Pennsylvania.
Bruce attended Detroit Bible College evening classes and served as a lay leader in several churches including Covenant Community in Redford and Honor Congregational Church in Honor. He had a keen interest in photography, camping, fishing, hiking and visiting our National Parks. He was a lifelong Michigan Wolverines football fan. He enjoyed woodworking projects, tennis, bicycling and cross-country skiing. He especially treasured time at the lake with his children and grandchildren.
He is survived by: his children, Michael Toms (Interlochen) and Andrea (David) Elliott (North Liberty, Iowa); grandchildren, Eric Elliott, Becky (Josh) Martinez, and Sarah Elliott; and great-grandchildren, Wyatt, Wesley and Walter Martinez.
He was preceded in death by: his parents; brother, Bobby (at age 16); wife, Anna in 2024; and son, Robert Toms in 2022.
The family wishes to express deep gratitude for the exceptional staff at The Homesteader Assisted Living Facility and the Munson Hospice Team who cared for Bruce in his later years. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 am on Friday, July 31, 2026, at Honor Congregational Church, followed by graveside interment at Greenbriar Cemetery in Almira Township.
The Bennett-Barz Funeral Home, in Beulah, is in charge of arrangements.
Benzonia, MI - Bruce Ellsworth Toms, age 98, passed to his heavenly home on July 12, 2026, at The Homesteader Senior Apartments in Benzonia, Michigan. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His faith in Jesus and his family were the center of his life. He leaves behind a legacy of integrity, wise guidance, compassi
Published on July 17, 2026
Events
There are no events scheduled.