Ella Lee Risser

Ella Lee Risser, 97 years old, of Ashland, OH passed away on April 21, 2025, in her home surrounded by family. She was born in Tarriff, West Virginia on September 14, 1927, to Arch John and Marie Melva (Bailey) Hall.

Ella Lee graduated from Spencer High School and Bryan College. She was a pastor’s wife, very active in children’s and women’s ministry; she loved teaching Sunday school. Family was very important to her. She was a true homemaker, loved gardening and was a talented seamstress.

She was a very thoughtful and encouraging person. She was a very good cook and a great organizer. A very loving person, Ella Lee was always looking for a way to help someone. She was generous with her time and things.

Ella Lee is survived by children, Janice (Kenneth) Swihart, Jonathan Risser and Joyce Atkins; grandchildren, Rebecca (Jason) Hayes, Michael Kelley, Joshua (Amber) Atkins, and Amanda Atkins; great-grandchildren, Olivia Atkins and Lincoln Atkins; sister-in-law, Betty Hall; nieces, Judy (Clint) Lapina and Susan (Travis) Babb.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Dean Risser; and her son-in-law David Atkins.

The calling hours will be at Wappner Funeral Home-Ashland, 308 Claremont Ave. on Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 9:00 am to 10:00 am. The funeral service will follow with Pastor Joel Zook officiating. Ella Lee will be laid to rest in Mt. Olivet Cemetery.