Ellen B Bussard

Indianapolis – 71, passed away November 24, 2018.

Ellen was a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother. A lifelong resident of Indianapolis, Ellen graduated from North Central High School and attended Butler University. She was involved in many philanthropic volunteer organizations over the years, including Christamore Aid Society, Conner Prairie Alliance, Methodist Hospital Task Core, among others. In addition to being president of the Park Tudor Mothers’ Association, she was a carpool extraordinaire. She could shout you out of the room during a Butler basketball game or during March Madness. Ellen was a voracious reader, precise grammarian and a strong advocate for Encyclopedia Britannica and the dictionary, preferably Webster’s. She was a natural pianist and artist, creating beautiful oil paintings and pastels.

Ellen greeted people with warmth and always made them feel welcome. She was full of grace and had a fighting spirit until the end. She was the matriarch of a family of strong, independent women.

She is survived by her husband of 40 years, David A. Bussard; five daughters, Mary Wilson, Molly Wilson, Katherine Bussard (Adam Ekberg), Betsy Bussard, and Annie Bussard (Lisa Pryor); three granddaughters, Amelia Hancock, Madison Burns, and Juniper Ekberg; two sisters, Barbara (George) Hibbard and Ann (Bob) Zoccola; many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Mary Ritz Boyd and F. Emerson Boyd.

In spite of a month-long battle with pneumonia, she rallied the weekend before Thanksgiving to celebrate life and family at the wedding of her youngest daughter and her 71st birthday party.

There will be no services. Instead, please enjoy your loved ones at this holiday season as Ellen would have wanted. If you feel moved to do something in Ellen’s memory, donations to Random Acts of Flowers will be most appreciated. Random Acts of Flowers, 1057 E 54th St, Suite F, Indianapolis, IN 46220. https://randomactsofflowers.org/individual-giving/

To share a memory, please visit www.leppertmortuary.com.