Michele Joseph "Mike" Ambrose

Michele Joseph “Mike” Ambrose, age 76 of Elkhart, passed away on December 7, 2020.  Mike was born September 30, 1944 in Elkhart, Indiana to the late Dominick and Dorothy (Robinson) Ambrose.  Mike was a graduate of Elkhart High School and enlisted in the US Army where he served honorably during the Vietnam War.  On January 13, 2007, he married Violet Swinehart in Bristol, Indiana.

Violet survives along with his children Jeremy Ambrose and Gina Ambrose, both of Elkhart, Kris Ambrose and his wife Emily of South Bend, Mikayla Ambrose and Nikki Ambrose, both of Indianapolis, and his adopted daughter Brooke Ambrose of Elkhart.  Surviving as well are his step-children Michael Spratt and Jenny Moss and her husband Charles, both of Elkhart, 8 grandchildren; Jaelyn, Johnathan, Jeremy, Kaylan, Reed, Milana, Marleigh, and Sage,  4 step-grandchildren Jallysa, Devoney, Carlecia and Zavayah and 2 ,great-grandchildren Romyn and Brinlee.   Also surviving are his siblings Carmelene Noffsinger and her husband James, and Nick Ambrose and his wife Elaine, both of Elkhart, and Carolyn Smith of Texas.  Mike is also survived by his brother in law Raymond Williams of Elkhart and the mothers of his children Valerie Ambrose and Jill Ambrose, both of Elkhart.  He was preceded in death by his sister Betty Shattuck and her husband Ray, his sister Josephine Williams and his brother Pat Ambrose.

Visitation will be held from 11am-2:30 pm Saturday, December 12, 2020 at Cruz Family Funeral Home in Osceola, where Rev. Jason Freiburger will officiate the 2:30pm funeral service.  Interment will be held privately on the grounds of Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Osceola. To stream Mike's funeral service in real time, please follow this link: us02web.zoom.us/j/5746748689

Mike was employed for 36 years as the supervisor of Environmental Services at Elkhart General Hospital where he was once recognized as the employee of the month.  He was a longtime member of the IARA in Elkhart and loved spending time playing cards with his friends. Mike enjoyed watching sports, especially the Indianapolis Colts, Notre Dame football, and Indiana University Basketball.  He also enjoyed gardening and was an amazing cook.  In his younger years, he also enjoyed playing golf.

Most of all, Mike loved his family, especially his grandchildren. In his memory, donations may be given to the United Cancer Services of Elkhart. To leave an online condolence, watch Mike’s online video tribute or light a virtual candle in his memory, please follow the links provided on the tribute wall tab above.