The oldest of five siblings, Scott Fred Ellard was born in Plainwell, MI on October 9, 1955 to Donald Ellard and Emily (Pancoast) Hornev. Growing up, he loved to fish, work on cars, and spend time with his Grandpa Everett (Pancoast). His fond memories playing on the Plainwell High School football team continued to be a subject of Scott’s storytelling around a fire until his last days.

After graduating high school with the proud class of 1973, Scott went on to play football at Adrian College before suffering an injury and transferring to Western Michigan University to earn his degree. Scott studied hard, earning a seat in the University of Michigan Dental School’s class of 1981. His work hard, play hard nature showed up in his school performance and his position as the Delta Sigma Delta Social Activities Chair– Scott always loved to plan a great party.

Scott married Marsha (Monica) Veenstra in 1979 and they shared their first child, Afton (Aaron) DeVos. Though their marriage didn’t last, Scott treasured parenting alongside Marsha and her husband Larry and together with Scott’s wife Debbie, the four parents set an example for what’s possible.

It was his career in dentistry that would lead him to the love of his life, Deborah (West) Ellard and they married in 1985. Together they gave Afton three siblings: Hayley (Eric) Butler, Everett “Chase” (Brandy Flores) Ellard, and Alexandra (Stefan Hayes) Ellard. Over 39 years, they built a family, a home, and a business side by side. Scott continued to enjoy his passion for the outdoors by teaching his children how to ski and fish; spending early mornings hunting, cutting wood, and woodworking with his son; and instilling a respect for nature and hard work.

Always in pursuit of personal growth and learning, Scott received his Executive MBA at the University of Notre Dame at age 54. Throughout his career, Scott continued to invest in his own development while sharing it with others by teaching and mentoring colleagues across the country.

Scott was promoted to Poppa in 2011 and went on to have nine grandchildren: Zachary and Colton DeVos; Eliza, Everett, and Annie Butler; Elliana Stickler and Everlee Ellard; and Oliver and Evangeline Hayes. He loved giving big bear hugs, reading books, and watching Rudolph with them.

The memory of Scott’s contagious laughter and vibrant storytelling will be rivaled only by that of his generous spirit. He is survived by his wife, Debbie; four children; nine grandchildren; three sisters Pamela Alling, Susan Ellard, and Antoinette (Brian) Moore; ten nieces and nephews; and many cherished friends. He is preceded in death by his father Donald Ellard, mother Emily Hornev, father-in-law John West, brother Martin Ellard, and niece Amber Alling.