GLOUSTER, Ohio –– Ellen Pappas Jones, a beloved resident of Glouster, Ohio, joined her precious sons in rest January 7, 2026.
She dedicated her life to family, community and helping others. As a proud first-generation American, she was born to Greek immigrants in Athens, Ohio, in 1939. Ellen’s determination and work ethic touched countless lives.
She and Sam were married almost 68 years, and together they raised three children, Kim, Sam II, and Mike. She was a devoted wife and mother known for creating memorable family traditions and supporting her children’s education and activities.
Ellen’s career began at 13 in Beshara’s confectionary. After graduating from Glouster High School in 1957, she worked at Ohio University, Glouster Schools, McFadden Insurance and in the admissions office at OU’s College of Medicine. Alongside her husband, Ellen owned and operated the Wonder Bar and Mod Shop in Glouster. While working full-time, she earned an ABA from Hocking College, one class at a time.
Ellen was deeply involved in her community and in numerous organizations, including the Bishopville Church of Christ, American Red Cross Athens Chapter, Kappa Rho Sorority, Federal Valley and All-Ohio Cloggers, among others. She served on the Athens County 317 Board and the Glouster Community Development Corporation, Trimble Local Athletic Hall of Fame Committee, and she was a founding member of the Trimble Textbook and Supply Committee.
Her leadership and philanthropy were evident in her efforts to provide shoes and coats for children. Alongside her husband, Ellen organized the Southeastern Ohio Golden Gloves Tournament and later Boxing for Books, served as an AAU boxing official, and ran Sam’s Gym.
After losing her son Michael to MS, she became an advocate for the MS Foundation. Recognitions for her effort included OUCOM Classified Employee of the Year, Rotary Citizen of the Year, Athens Woman of Inspiration, to name just a few.
Ellen loved her family, the Trimble Tomcats, the OSU Buckeyes, and gambling. She was known for her feisty, plain-spoken and hilarious personality. She will be greatly missed.
Ellen is preceded in death by her beloved sons Sam II and Mike, parents Evangelo and Triantafilia (Rose) Houvardas Pappas, in-laws Juanita and Ralph Shaw and Eddie Jones, siblings Dr. Tom Pappas, Mary Cardaras, and infant sister Bessie, aunt and uncle Diamond and Gus Morris, and cousin Pete Morris.
She is survived by her husband Sam, daughter Kim (Lori); grandchildren Courtney (Jim), Jeremy, Seth (Kelsey), Mackenzie (Wayne), Paula (Nemo); great-grandchildren Keegan, Chloe, Ian, Roman, Dane, Bryson, Rhys, Wiley, Leonardo & Sebastian; great-great Granddaughter Skye.
She is also survived by nieces and nephews Van, Dino, Rosemary, Chris, Tony and Julie and their children; cousins Regina and John, in-laws Kay, Judy, Randy, Plute, Bill, Ponch, Sis, and John; and too many wonderful friends and relatives to count. Special thanks to caregivers Melissa and cousin Jackie, Shrivers Hospice, Pastor Jon and the Bishopville Church of Christ, and to so many who brought food, prayers, and love into Sam and Ellen’s home.
Visitation will take place on 1–7 p.m. Sunday, January 11 and a funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, January 12, all at the Bishopville Church of Christ. Interment will be in the Maplewood Cemetery, Glouster.
All welcome; if you feel at all ill or are worried about illness, please send us your love from afar, as flu is rampant. In lieu of flowers, we encourage contributions in Ellen’s memory to the Trimble Textbook and Supplies Foundation, c/o Sandy Gyure, PO Box 187, Glouster, Ohio 45732. Arrangements have been entrusted to Morrison Funeral Chapel. You may send a message of condolence by visiting the tribute wall at www.morrisonfc.com.
