Rena Ellison, age 99 of Big Rapids, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, November 16, 2012. She was born February 17, 1913 in Perkins, Iowa, the daughter of John and Lucy (Robyn) Buwalda. Rena was a member of the Fellowship Christian Reformed Church in Big Rapids. She is survived by her son, Donald Ellison of Casnovia; five grandchildren, Molly (Ken) Parker, Deborah (Mike) Howard, Scott (Kathy) Ellison, Steve Ellison, and Kathy Ellison; many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; four close nieces, Margie Nagel, Dorothy Fransman, Jeanette Gorter, and Lucille Hoekstra; a special friend (Rena's Angel) Shawn McGuire. Rena was preceded in death by her husband, James Ellison Sr.; two sons, Robert Ellison and James Ellison Jr.; seven sisters and two brothers; and her parents. Funeral services will take place 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 21, 2012 at the Fellowship Christian Reformed Church in Big Rapids with Pastor Ken Krause officiating. The family will greet friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 20th at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids and one hour prior to services Wednesday beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the Church. Memorial contributions in Rena's name may be made to the Fellowship Christian Reformed Church in Big Rapids.