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BORN
1941
DIED
2016
Ronald Elly Obituary
Rev. Ronald D. Elly, 74 of Lafayette went home to be with his Lord at 9:40 am on Monday June 27th. He was born December 26,1941 in Montgomery, Alabama, the adopted son of Robert D. and Dorothea Spear Elly. He was an ordained pastor in the Presbyterian Church (USA), serving in the Wabash Valley Presbytery. He married Ellen Saint on June 11,1966 in Elwood, IN and moved to Lafayette in 1967. Ron was a man of vision who inspired others to needed social action. He was the founding director of Lafayette Urban Ministry and L.A.S.S.O.; he helped develop Home with Hope, the Crisis Center, and the Riggs Community Health Center, and he served on boards at Habitat for Humanity and Beacon Academy. He served on four mission trips to Mexico and was a leader in the Lafayette Great Banquet. Ron searched for and reunited with his birth mother, June Berry. He cherished his family, and he enjoyed reading, running, and playing basketball. Ron was known for his puns and tie-dye shirts.
He is survived by his wife Ellen; three daughters: Beth Baumgartner of Cincinnati, OH; Julianne (Michael) Shannon of Indianapolis; and Laura (Keith) Hudson of La Grande, OR; Six grandchildren: Peter and Marie Baumgartner of Cincinnati; Leah and Stella Shannon of Indianapolis; and Lucas and Benjamin Hudson of La Grande, OR. A twin brother Donald (Anne) Elly of Des Moines, IA also survives. Also surviving are his sisters in law: Jean Dorris, Dorothea (Lloyd) Hanton, Hazel Collins, and Kathleen (T.C.) Curlee.
A celebration of life will be held at 11am on Friday at the Bethany Presbyterian Church 3305 Longlois Dr, Lafayette,IN, with Rev. Kevin Bowers and Rev. Laura Penney Bade officiating. The family invites guests to wear bright colors. A reception will be held afterward.
The family requests memorials be made to the Lafayette Urban Ministry, One Great Hour of Sharing-Presbyterian Church (USA), or to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation.
Tippecanoe Memory Gardens is assisting the family with arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ronald Elly
Joanne Lucies
July 3, 2016
I grew up at. Bethany.Rev. Elly married my husband and me. He could never get our name right,always said Luscious, even at the ceremony. A good laugh was had by all,especially Rev. Elly. 21 years later it still brings a smile to my face! Our thoughts and prayers are with Ellen,Beth,Julie,Laura and all who knew and loved Rev. Elly!
sue mcgee
July 1, 2016
RevEly was our minister when I was younger and a very very good guy.....prayers for his family
robin Sollars-Strasser
July 1, 2016
A Wonderful Celebration in Heaven. I am thankful for knowing Rev. Elly during his time at Hope Chapel. God Bless you all!
JoAnne McCormick
June 30, 2016
Thinking and prayers sent
Bonnie Myers
June 30, 2016
I always enjoyed having Pastor Elly as pulpit supply during our transition. His love of God was evident in the way he lived his life. He always had an easy smile and quick wit. He will be greatly missed.
Thank you for sharing him with us.
My prayers are with you and your family.
June 30, 2016
Ron was a truly a light to all who knew him . first meet Ron when he filled pulpit in our church south of town in early 70s. then again in lafayette great banquet. his love for Jesus was always ,well the spirit was in him. and he is with Jesus now with a new body and no pain. love ya brother . your brother in Christ dave shaw
Diane Wendell
June 29, 2016
I have many happy memories of times with Ron - as well as the rest of the family - at Synod School and other places. There were many things to appreciate about Ron, but most of all I think was what a caring person he was. Ellen, Beth, Julie and Laura - sorry I can't be there but will pause to think of you all on Friday. And surely if there is a nose flute serenade, he will be smiling down from heaven!
Donna Schmahl
June 29, 2016
Julie & family,
Our love and prayers are with all of you during this time of grief, remembrance & celebration of your dad's life.
Peace & love,
The Schmahl Family
Giselle Richardson
June 29, 2016
I was a friend of Rev. Elly and knew him for a good 25 years. He was a wonderful man and helped many people, including me, with their life struggles. He did so much, in so many groups, and in so many ways. He loved people and he loved God. I am very saddened to hear of his death but I know beyond a shadow of a doubt he is in heaven in God's loving arms. I will miss him, many people who walked into his life will miss but above all his wife and family loved him and will miss him with all of their hearts. My condolences to his wife and family.
Laura Howie-Walters
June 29, 2016
Julie, I'm sad I never met your dad since I clearly missed out. From all I've heard and seen, he was a remarkable man. I hope you find comfort knowing you've got a ton of people keeping you and your family in their thoughts and prayers.
Kay Mull
June 29, 2016
Rev. Ronald Elly was a loving and caring Christian man. He was dedicated to his family and to helping others.
God will surely have another angel in Heaven.
God Bless his family. He will be missed by all!
Karen Beshears
June 29, 2016
I remember working with Ron to develop youth ministry programs for the Synod of Lincoln Trails Synod School. I was youth leader for his daughters at this wonderful program as well. All the Ellys are faithful servants of God. My sympathies for losing him, and thanks for the sharing on FaceBook of his end time. May God be with you all in this time of sorrow.
Dan Jean
June 29, 2016
Laura and family,
I was honored to have met your dad at Austin Pres when we were neighbors there, and yes, it is that grin that I remember most. Please find peace that passes understanding in these emotional days.
Blessings,
Nancy Lovejoy-Piris
June 29, 2016
I knew Reverend Elly from Hope Chapel Church on S. 3rd Street in Lafayette. He was such a nice man and I am glad to have known him. Rest In Peace.
Don and Anne Elly
June 28, 2016
Anne and I, Don, his twin, can testify to his enjoyment of a good laugh, sense of humor. Over the years when we visited by phone he would collect puns and jokes to share. His passion for issues of justice came naturally as legacy from our adoptive parents. Ron never talked about these; he just developed programs to meet the need. I will miss our weekly conversations that enriched my faith and life, most all your hugs and affirmations.
Joyce Palmer
June 28, 2016
What a wonderful caring individual. He will be greatly missed. Prayers for Ellen and family.
Sherrill Mixer
June 28, 2016
It was at Synod School (on the banks of the Ohio River) that my memories of Ron Elly took root. So many great memories of that week for so many years. I loved being in class with Ron--whether he was leading or taking the class. Thanks for these memories, Ron. Well done, good and faithful servant!
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