Ellen Dorothy Cox, 92, of Mercer, passed away on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at Careview of Minocqua Nursing Home.

Ellen was born on August 30, 1933, in Weyauwega, Wisconsin, to Herbert and Ella (Vetter) Kopitzke. Following high school, she attended secretarial school. On October 22, 1955, she was united in marriage to Ray A. Cox at St. Matthew’s Church in Milwaukee.

In 1968, Ellen and Ray moved to Mercer, where they operated Ray and Ellen’s Café for three years. They later built and operated the Cedar Café in Washburn for five years.

Ellen was a devoted member of Faith Lutheran Church in Mercer and served with the Ladies of Faith. She was also a member of the VFW Auxiliary and a former member of the Mercer Lioness Club. In her free time, she enjoyed crafting, reading, and playing solitaire.

Ellen is survived by her daughters, Beth King of Ashland, Diane Leino of Minocqua, and Lynne (Rick) Allen of Minnesota; grandchildren, Barbara (Frank) Gordon, Jessica (Andy) Peterson, Paul Santama, Sandra Peterson, Kristine Meide, Derrek King, and Carrie Santama; 12 great-grandchildren; brother, Russell Kopitzke; sister, Carol Kopitzke; and sister-in-law, Mary Ann Sabec. She is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ray, in 2020; and her daughter, Pamela Meide.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 1 p.m. at the Mercer Cemetery.