Ellen Connelly

Ellen Louise (Wise) Connelly, age 75, passed away Thursday, January 16, 2025, in her home surrounded by those she loved most.

Ellen was born March 24, 1949, to Robert E. and Rosemary M. (Eller) Wise. A 1967 graduate of Shelby Senior High School, Ellen attended the North Central State College in Mansfield, Ohio.

On New Years Eve 1969, she met the love of her life, Jon W. Connelly while she was tending bar at the American Legion in Shelby. They married at Trinity United Methodist Church on April 25, 1970. Ellen worked for the Mansfield News Journal and later worked for the Empire Credit Union in Shelby. Her true joy was in caring for her parents in their later years, raising her children, helping raise her grandchildren, and actively being involved in the lives of her great grandchildren. She gave of herself selflessly to care for her family. Ellen was a published poet with the International Library of Poetry. She was a member of the Mt. Tabor Freewill Baptist Church in Galion, Ohio, and the First Presbyterian Church of Shelby, Ohio. She made the best peanut butter fudge. Lovingly referred to as, "Nan," by her grandchildren, and "Nan-Nan," by her great grandchildren, she was the best grandma and great-grandmother in the world.

Survivors include her husband of 54 years Jon W. Connelly; their three children, Susan (Jeff) McClain, Benjamin Connelly, and Jennifer Taylor; six grandsons, James Robinson, Caleb Robinson, Eric Robinson, Bradley McHargue, William McClain and James McClain; seven great grandchildren, Aiden Robinson, Carson Robinson, Grayson Robinson, Emma Robinson, Brantley Robinson, Deacon Robinson and Brooks McHargue; as well as many nieces and nephews, friends, and other relatives.

Ellen was preceded in death by her parents and in-laws, two brothers Stephen Wise and Damon Wise, infant grandson Benjamin Alvin Jon Robinson and granddaughter Elizabeth McClain.

Friends may visit the family Wednesday, January 22, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the First Presbyterian Church, 24 N. Gamble St. Shelby, 44875. A funeral service will immediately follow at the church at 11:00 AM with her grandson, Pastor James Robinson officiating. Interment will take place in Oakland Cemetery in Shelby.

Barkdull Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to assist the family with arrangements.

In place of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, PO Box 298 Shelby, Ohio or the Hospice of the Western Reserve at 17876 St. Clair Ave. Cleveland, OH 44110.

The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to Kristen Howell and Sheila and Ronnie with the hospice team for their loving care of Ellen.

Online condolences may be made at www.barkdullfuneralhome.com