Mary Ellen Doyle, 85, passed away peacefully on February 25, 2026, surrounded by family.

Born on September 5, 1940, in Akron, Ohio, Mary Ellen was the daughter of Fred and Mary Gungle. She was raised in Akron and graduated from St. Thomas Hospital School of Nursing school in Akron, Ohio. Mary Ellen married James P. (Jim) Doyle, also of Akron, on April 4, 1964. After a few years in Apple Valley, Minnesota, they moved to Elkhart, Indiana, in 1976, and spent the rest of their years there. Jim passed away in 2015. Mary Ellen and Jim were married 50 years.

Nursing was not just her profession, but her calling. Over the course of her career, she served in many different settings. Her compassionate care and gentle presence blessed countless patients and families, especially during her years as a hospice nurse, where she provided comfort and dignity at life’s most difficult moments.

Mary Ellen was a long-standing and devoted parishioner of St. Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Church in Bristol, Indiana, where her faith was an important and guiding part of her life.

She is survived by her four sons, Jim (Patty) Doyle, Tim (Laura) Doyle, Dan (Jill) Doyle, and Mark (Erin) Doyle. She was a proud grandmother to nine grandchildren, JP, Neil, Sydney, Callie, Jack, Erin, Hannah, Cameron, and Allison. Her family was her greatest joy, and she treasured time spent together, especially at family gatherings and celebrations. She loved baking and was especially known for her chocolate chip cookies — a favorite treat that her children and grandchildren always looked forward to and will forever associate with her love.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Carol Marquinez; and her husband, James Doyle.

Mary Ellen and Jim loved camping and traveling together in their RV. Some of their happiest times were spent along the Gulf Coast at Navarre Beach, where they returned often to enjoy the sunshine and friends.

For the past three and a half years, Mary Ellen enjoyed living at Brentwood Independent Living, in Elkhart, where she built meaningful friendships and remained active. She loved spending time with friends, shopping, and taking trips to the local casino. Those years were filled with companionship, laughter, and community.

Mary Ellen will be remembered for her kindness, steady faith, servant’s heart, and unwavering love for her family. Her legacy of compassion and care lives on in the many lives she touched.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00am on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at St. Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Church, 411 W. Vistula Street (State Road 120), Bristol, IN 46507.

Visitation will be 1 hour prior to the start of the Memorial Mass from 10:00am to 11:00am at the church. The Beacon Nurses Honor Guard will play tribute to Mary Ellen prior to the start of the Mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary of the Annunciation Catholic Church, 411 W. Vistula St., Bristol, IN 46507.

For those that wish to send a condolence, share a memory or order flowers may do so at www.billingsfuneralhome.com.