Ellen L. Risk

Ellen Lorraine (Sutherlin) Risk, 79 of Lafayette, passed away on Friday, January 2, 2026 at Belle's Place Assisted Living in Crawfordsville. She was born on May 23, 1946 in Lafayette to the late Ralph Taylor and Helen Irene (Collins) Sutherlin.
Ellen is a graduate of Jefferson High School's class of 1964. Ellen spent many years working in the Research Department in the library at Purdue University before retiring.
Prior to that she was a realtor and worked for Toliver Appraisals. In her free time, Ellen enjoyed traveling, camping and exploring the country in her RV. Ellen devotedly worked to restore the family homestead on 425 Perrin Ave. While always hardworking, Ellen made spending time with the people in her life a priority. She could be counted on to lovingly show up where she was needed. Ellen brought fun and laughter with her everywhere she went. If children and babies were around you would find her delighting in their presence. Ellen was fortunate to have been in a longtime loving relationship with Larry Toliver and his family prior to Larry's death in 2004. Larry's family continued to be important to her the rest of her life. Ellen was incredibly blessed when Adrian Matlock came into her life 18 years ago. Their love could be felt in every smile and his family became her own. Adrian and his family devotedly cared for Ellen as her battle with Alzheimer's disease ensued.
Ellen is survived by the love of her life, Adrian Matlock and his family; son, Alan (Shirley) Risk and granddaughter (Kaylee) of Katy, Texas; a special niece, Jeanette (Jason) Crisafulli along with their children and grandchildren of Allegany, New York. She additionally leaves behind nieces and nephews and cousins that she held dear.
In addition to her parents, Ellen was preceded in death by two brothers, Ronald Sutherlin and Jerry Sutherlin; Ex-husband James Risk; longtime companion Larry Toliver; a niece, Robyn L. Sutherlin and a nephew, Michael Craig Sutherlin.
Visitation will be held at Hippensteel Funeral Home on Saturday, January 10th from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., immediately followed by a funeral Service. Ellen will then be laid to rest at Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Humane Society for Greater Lafayette.
Please share memories and condolences online at
-www.hippensteelfuneralservice.com