Adored wife, beloved mother, caring grandmother and trusted friend, Ellen passed away peacefully on July 28, 2016, just two and a half months shy of her 100th birthday. Born in Alexandria, IN to the late Arna G. and Stella (Ward), and raised in Elwood, Ellen spent most of her adult life in central Indiana. She graduated from Elwood High School in 1934 with a business scholarship. Hailing from a musical family, Ellen had enjoyed singing opportunities in her youth and had played bass viol in the high school orchestra. Following in the footsteps of her older brother, Charles “Gabe” Ward, one of the Original Hoosier Hotshots, Ellen set out on her own musical career. She soon joined an all girl’s band in Anderson as a vocalist and bass player. The band she joined was directed by Gerri Sparks, a musician associated with the Parisian Redheads, a band located in Indianapolis. Ellen and Sparks planned to move to a larger venue in Florida, and at the same time, Sparks hired local instrumentalist Gerald Maines to accompany the band. Billed as “Jerry Maines and His Singing Guitar,” Jerry and his guitar music was an instant hit with Ellen. She kissed Jerry hello, bid fame and fortune in Florida goodbye, and they were married on December 25, 1936. Their love of music was a mainstay in their family life for nearly 72 years. Ellen was a lifelong member of the Disciples of Christ Church, belonging to the First Christian Church of Marion for nearly sixty years. At church, she attended the Crusaders Class, the Willing Hearts Class, and was the sole member of the “Clothes for Kids” committee within the Christian Women’s Fellowship. For many years, this committee provided clothing for needy children in Marion Community Schools, a cause near and dear to her heart. Beyond her utter devotion to her family, Ellen stated that being a part of the Christian Women’s Fellowship “has been my greatest joy.” Ellen is survived by one sister; Reba Ward Cartwright, children; Daniel W. Maines, Marion, David R. (Linda) Maines, Rochester Hills, MI, and Rebecca Scheer, Marion, adopted son; Ted Hamilton, Marion, grandchildren; David E. Maines, Glen Ellyn, IL, Dan Maines II, Bargersville, IN, Monda (Jeff) Denault, Somonauk, IL, Douglas Maines, Terre Haute, IN and great grandson; David John Maines, Wheaton, IL. In addition to her parents and loving husband, Ellen was preceded in death by her siblings; Charles Otto Ward and Irma Harting, great granddaughter; Ellen Nichole Widen, sisters-in-law; Marguerite Ward, Ruth, Maxine and Frances Maines, and brothers-in-law; Lester, Donald and Paul Maines, Raymond Harting and William Cartwright. Family will receive friends from 4:00 – 7:00 pm on Tuesday, August 2, 2016 at Integrity Funeral Care, 2901 S. Washington St. Marion, IN. Funeral services will be held at 11:30 am on Wednesday, August 3, 2016 at the funeral home with Rev. Roselyn Harrison officiating. Interment will follow at Gardens of Memory Cemetery in Marion. The family is requesting in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either First Christian Church of Marion or Grant County Cancer Services. Online condolences may be made at www.ifccares.com