Ellen Elizabeth Wright

May 9, 1925 — May 18, 2024

Williamsport

Ellen Elizabeth Wright, aged 99, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at Ascension St. Vincent Williamsport Hospital, surrounded by her loving family.
Ellen was born on May 9, 1925, in Williamsport, IN, to Duffy and May Cole. She spent her childhood on a farmhouse in rural West Lebanon, IN, and graduated as Salutatorian from her high school class in 1943.
In 1944, she married Warren Wright in St. Louis, MO. After Warren's return from the Navy during World War II, they settled on the family farm near Marshfield, IN, where she devoted herself to raising their five children, her greatest joy.
Ellen was a devoted wife, loving mother, and devoted homemaker. She was renowned for her cooking, particularly her delicious family meals, and for tending to her large garden. She was actively involved in her children's lives, assisting with 4-H projects, and transporting them to various athletic practices and events. Ellen was also involved in the Marshfield Presbyterian Church, Ladies Aid, Eastern Star, and Tri Kappa.
In 1962, Ellen and Warren purchased Mike's Grill in Covington. Working alongside Warren, her son Bob and his wife Bonnie, they established the Beef House Restaurant. Ellen continued to leave her mark with her delicious pies and Sunday specials.
She was a supporter of her children's and grandchildren's athletic events, as well as an avid fan of Purdue football and basketball. A beloved family tradition was enjoying her tailgate picnic lunches on Slater Hill before the football games. In 1947, she even survived the bleacher collapse at Purdue's Lambert Fieldhouse.
In her retirement, Ellen's hobbies included traveling, reading, spending time in Siesta Key, FL, playing cards with friends, golfing, mushroom hunting, crocheting afghans, and cooking for large gatherings. She even shot two hole-in-ones while playing golf. On any given weekday, you might find her working in her yard up until age 93, planting flowers for her patio pots, visiting with neighbors, talking on the phone to her sister Lelah, or lending a helping hand to someone in need.
Ellen was admired by many. She was hardworking, humble, and loving, with a sharp wit and a strong sense of independence. She had a talent for “getting things done,” a heart for the underdog, and always preferred helping others to being helped herself. The family would like to express their thanks to the medical staff at Ascension St. Vincent in Williamsport, IN for the excellent care they provided to her at the end of her life.
Ellen is survived by her son Bob (Bonnie) Wright of Covington, IN; son Richard (Barbara) Wright of Williamsport, IN; son John A. (Jill) Wright of Williamsport, IN; daughter Susan Burton of Lafayette, IN; son Steven Wright of Williamsport, IN; Sister Lelah Willett of Williamsport, IN; 11 grandchildren, Brad (Tracey) Wright of Covington, IN; Greg Wright of Covington, IN; Sarah Tanner of Covington, IN; Patrick (Christy) Wright of Zionsville, IN; John C. (Christie) of Fowler, IN; Katie (Roger) McDaniel of Indianapolis, IN; Brian (Jennifer) Wright of Covington, IN; Keith (Jessica) Wright of Covington, IN; Megan (Mark) Hickman of Naples, FL; Laura (Henry) Weber of Bothell, WA; Mallory Burton of Fishers, IN; 21 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great- grandchildren.

Ellen was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Warren; her 2 sisters Hazel Page and Dorothy Cole; 2 infant siblings; a daughter in-law, Barbara Wright; a brother in-law, Bill Willett; and great-grandson, Jacob Wright.
A private family service was held, friends and family are invited to honor Ellen’s life at the Beef House Restaurant’s Banquet Hall from 4:00pm to 7:00pm EDST on Friday, May 24, 2024.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be donated to the Warren County Community Foundation where a scholarship fund is being established named Ellen Wright Culinary Arts Scholarship Fund for area high school students who will be attending a culinary arts school.

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Service Schedule

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Celebration of Life

Friday, May 24, 2024

4:00 - 7:00 pm (Eastern time)

Beef House Restaurant

16501 IN 63, Covington, IN 47932

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