Darnella Marie "Ellie" Ward

Darnella Marie "Ellie" Ward, 50, of Columbia City, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes on Friday, October 31, 2025, in her home. Born on November 12, 1974, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, she was a daughter of Crystal Monnier. Raised and adopted by her older sister, Deborah Mathias, she grew up in Whitley County, where she attended Mary Raber, Columbia Twp, and Etna-Troy Elementary Schools and then Columbia City High School. She and her family then moved to San Manuel, AZ, where she completed her formal education at San Manuel High School. For the past 22 years, Ellie has made her home in Columbia City. She worked locally as a customer service specialist at Pyrotek. Many who knew Ellie knew that she was a hard worker that was very loyal to the companies that she worked for throughout her career. Always seeking adventure, Ellie enjoyed traveling, venturing to Europe, Jamaica, New York, and throughout the Southwestern United States, collecting souvenir for her friends and family from the places visited. While attending school, she showed immense talent in both volleyball and academic activities. Fond of the Arts, she attended musicals, plays, concerts, dance recitals, and art exhibits whenever possible. She loved going out dancing with friends. In her free time, she was a gifted writer of poetry. She loved being outdoors, taking hikes, moon gazing, and observing nature. However, her fundamental focus was always on her family and close friends. She was passionate partner, but most importantly, a dedicated mother and grandmother. She filled this world with love and held a fierce loyalty to her children, grandchildren, as well as her close friends and family. She would want nothing more than for everyone to remember her by continuing her intensity for life. She leaves behind a son, Skyler (Emily) Chambless of Columbia City, a daughter, Kayanna Ward of Columbia City; grandchildren, Amari Watkins, Nakoa Slone, and Nalani Slone; her soulmate, Carlos Larranaga of Fort Wayne; her mother Deborah Mathias, and siblings, Kimberly (Kevin) Davis, Chereasa (DeWayne) Hardesty, Dennis Monnier, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Ellie desired to have no services. Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. Condolences may be sent to www.everloved.com/life-of/ellie-ward/ and www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com