Ellen Louise Irwin

Ellen Louise Irwin, a compassionate and faithful soul, passed away on January 15, 2026, at the age of 82. Born on June 18, 1943, in Washington, PA, Ellen moved to the Chattanooga area as a child. She attended Central High School in Chattanooga, graduating with the class of 1961, where she was an active member of the Library Staff, Battalion, and the National Honor Society. Ellen's pursuit of knowledge led her to obtain her Registered Nurse (R.N) licensure after completing classes at Chattanooga State and UTC, with additional education at Middle Tennessee State University.

Ellen's career was marked by her hard-working and selfless nature. She initially worked in various business roles, including time at Si’s Electric in Chattanooga and as a part owner of a local dime store and pharmacy. Her career flourished after she obtained her RN licensure, allowing her to serve in the Burn Unit and Intensive Care Unit at Erlanger Hospital in downtown Chattanooga. After relocating to Nashville, she dedicated years to the Intensive Care and Cardiac Care Units at Centennial Medical Center.

Ellen's personal life was rich with love and family. She was first married to her high school classmate, Robert Humble, with whom she had two children: Stephen Humble and Amy Humble Matthews. Stephen's children are Kirsten and Noah Humble, while Amy's children are Hannah and Bethany Matthews. Ellen later married Barry Richards, and together they had a son, Brandon Richards, who is married to Kathryn. Their children are Analyn and Andrew. Ellen is also survived by her sisters, Lilly (Lennie) Maloy and Sharon Crawford.

A kind-hearted and generous spirit, Ellen found joy in her family and her love of animals. She adopted numerous dogs and cats throughout her life and enjoyed feeding squirrels and birds from her back porch. Ellen cherished the sunshine, whether by a pool or at the beach, and found peace reading a book with a large cup of lemonade by her side, especially when her children and grandchildren were nearby.

Ellen was deeply involved in her community, expressing her faith through active participation in Brainerd Baptist Church, both early in her life and after returning to Chattanooga post-retirement. Her legacy of compassion extended beyond her nursing career to her love for animals and her willingness to open her home to family and friends in need.

A Celebration of Ellen's incredible life will be held on Tuesday January 20, 2026, at 12:00 pm in the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home. Her family will welcome friends prior to the service beginning at 10:00 am, and request that everyone wear bright, vibrant colors in celebration of her life. She will be laid to rest following the service in Lakewood Memory Gardens West alongside her parents.

In memory of Ellen and in lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be directed to Martin Boyd Christian Home, with "In memory of Ellen Irwin" noted in the memo section, to support residents in need.

Ellen's enduring belief, as she wrote in her Bible, was that "God is Truthful, God is Faithful, God is Immutable and God is Love. If you confess with your mouth, Jesus is God, you have the promises of the word of God. Looking to the Cross, God you are the answer."

Please share your thoughts and memories of Ellen with the family at www.chattanoogaeastchapel.com

Chattanooga Funeral Home East Chapel has been entrusted with her arrangements.