Ellen Marie Rich, 80, of Fortville, Indiana passed away January 8, 2018. Ellen was a beloved teacher, deeply touching many lives throughout her career. She was passionate about teaching middle and high school French and English in Anderson and Indianapolis, Indiana. Prior to attending Anderson College, she grew up in Lansdale, Pennsylvania, spending many summers at her favorite place, the beach, in Cape May, New Jersey. She loved cooking and teaching others to cook. She was an avid reader and was devoted to her church family.
She was the loving mother of Deborah (Mike) McEvers of Fortville, IN, Felicia Ferguson (Mark Day) of Indianapolis, IN and Camilla (Wyatt) Hufford of Union City, IN. She cherished her grandchildren, Christopher Ferguson, David Ferguson and Lauren (Ryan) Cole. She was preceded in death by father Abijah Stephens, mother Mathilde Stephens and two brothers, Robert and David Stephens.
Visitation and Memorial Service will take place on February 16, 2018 at Downey Avenue Christian Church in Indianapolis, IN. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by the Memorial Service at 12:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Downey Avenue Christian Church.
Carolyn and Garnett Day says
Thank you for including the lovely picture of Ellen. We are grateful for the many years of friendship which deepened in recent years as our families became intertwined. Ellen was a very intelligent and talented woman who loved to share her interests and passions with others. She had a sense of humor which very often elicited a chuckle from her and sparkle in her eyes. She enjoyed life, and she especially enjoyed her home in Fortville. We are so glad it is still in the family. We will miss Ellen and we are grateful for the many good memories which we will fondly recall in the days and weeks ahead.
Kent Knorr and Lee-Ann York says
What a remarkable lady.
We are so sorry for your loss & continue to hold her loved ones in thought and prayer!
Nora says
Even though we are not members at Downey, over the years whenever we attended your mom was always very kind to us. She always had an interesting story to share that made us giggle. That’s an amazing trait to have. Felicia, you and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Ramstein family says
Our sincerest condolences for the loss of such a wonderful woman. Nana was such a remarkable person full of knowledge and passion. We will all miss her dearly and keep her and your family in our thoughts/prayers.
The Duncan's says
With Heartfelt Sympathy to the Rich
Family,
May you rely on the God of all comfort to help you to endure the days ahead.
” God is our refuge and strength ”
( Psalms 46 : 1 )
Joe & Pam says
Words fall short of expressing our sorrow. Ellen will always be remembered with much love. Her generosity, compassion, and love for others are but a few of her beautiful traits. It’s with much love and prayers, we send our deepest sympathy for the loss of your amazing mother, grandmother, and friend. Joe and Pam
Dan and Georgann says
Ellen will be missed by her friends, church and family. She was a spark of light in a room. Our condolences to her Family. Our thoughts and prayers continue.
Steve and Darlene Barnard says
We were honored to know Ellen and thoroughly enjoyed the many conversations and laughter we shared with her over the years. We offer our deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies to her family.
Joanie Hensley says
My heartfelt condolences to Ellen’s family. Many memories of beach time with her, Felicia & Deb. Great conversation and many laughs – and hers was the best. May comfort be with you all.
Meg says
Ellen’s, ‘bigger than life’ personality will keep memories of her alive in our hearts eternal – peace be with you….
Richard L Dufour says
I hope this message is not too late to reach Ellen’s daughters. For some reason linked to Stangl Pottery, I have been asking myself if Ellen is still in the Irvington area. I and my wife Paula got to know Ellen in the ’70s through our pottery business. I believe Ellen introduced us to Stangl, and we considered her a charming and articulate expert on Stangl, New Jersey and her beloved Cape May resort. Soon she introduced us to Camilla, one of the three artistic, talented daughters. Camilla became our first employee at age 16, I recall. Paula was quite fond of her.
I am now a returnee as an Irvingtonian, my residence a short walk from Maple Dr. Many memories flow from the past now.
Tothe family, my love and sincere appreciation for having known you and your elegant mother, Ellen. Feel free to contact me on Facebook or LinkedIn as Richard L Dufour, MSEd. Many blessings for peace and long lives. RLD.
Mark Harris says
Ellen was my French teacher at Southside Middle School in Anderson, Indiana.
During the 72/73 school year, she retrieved some notebook paper I had thrown away after class, and asked to speak to me after class the next day – she was concerned about the things I had written and drawn (I had not intended for anyone to see them). It was a particularly dark period of my life, and it is without reservation or exaggeration that I say she saved my life, and changed my life forever.
I visited her in her home in Indianapolis throughout the years, and she attended my wedding in Chicago in 1995.
You were one of my best friends, and I will miss you terribly. The world is a poorer place without you.
Au revoir, mon amie – je t’aime pour toujours.
Mark Harris