Ellen Louise Kinchen, 88, less than two months before her 89th birthday, of Bellefontaine, Ohio passed away on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at Marysville Memorial Hospital.
She was born in Columbus, Ohio on May 18, 1935, to the late Daniel V. and Addie (Stewart) Purnell. Ellen was the oldest of four children. She attended Linden McKinley High School until her family moved to Bellefontaine and graduated from Bellefontaine High School. On August 7, 1954, she married Richard Jay Kinchen, who preceded her in death on July 8, 2005.
While caring for her family, Ellen worked for Beatley Hotel at Indian Lake, and Bull Dog Corporation, but discovered that her true calling was in the field of education. She began working for Bellefontaine City Schools as a teacher’s aide and was encouraged by Mr. Charles Lyons to become a teacher.
Ellen began taking classes and earned her degree in Education from Urbana University. She then became a teacher at Western Elementary School, where she taught 2nd and 3rd grade, and specialized in reading instruction. At one time, in 1986, she considered furthering her education and was accepted into the Master of Education Program at Wright State University, but she decided her talents and time were needed by her growing family, now with 3 new grandchildren. Ellen continued to work as a teacher until 2003.
Ellen was a member of Auburn Avenue Baptist Church for many years. She was baptized in the name of Jesus at Christ Temple Church and received the gift of the Holy Spirit while praying in her home. She fellowshipped frequently at Christ Our King church as well.
Ellen loved listening to music, playing cards, reading, watching Jeopardy and gardening; but most of all, she loved celebrating life with her beloved husband and children’s family.
She will be remembered as a mother, aunt, grandmother, and friend who gave her life in service to others, gratitude to her God, and unconditional love to her family and friends; and she will forever be loved and celebrated.
Ellen is preceded in death by her son, Ernest Jaymes Kinchen; her grandson, Jordan Alexander Kinchen; and siblings, Martha A. Springs, Gerald A. Purnell; Daniel E. Purnell; Aunt, Martha Lash and son-in-law, Daryl W. Thompson.
Ellen is survived by her children, Krista A. Kinchen, Ellen K. Thompson, Stacy Kinchen (Ms. Barri Manning), Derrick A. (Cheryl) Kinchen; a daughter-in-law, Paula Kinchen; 11 grandchildren, and a host of great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
The funeral service will be Tuesday, April 2, at 11 a.m. at Christ Our King Church, 1325 County Road 9, Bellefontaine. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the church. Burial will be in Bellefontaine Cemetery, 632 E. Brown Avenue.
Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Bellefontaine, is honored to serve the Kinchen family and encourages anyone to share a fond memory or message of condolence at www.edsfh.com.