Ellen Marietta Simpson (née Johner) was born on October 31, 1957, in Chesley to John and Erma (White) Johner. The youngest of six children—Enid, Mark, Jerry, Laura, and Les—Ellen grew up in a busy, hardworking household led by her remarkable mother, Erma, who raised six children on her own. From the very beginning, Ellen’s life was shaped by resilience, love, and family.

When Ellen was just two years old, Erma packed up the children for a day at Arran Lake. She carefully counted six heads, forgetting that they had also brought along a nephew for the day. Ellen was accidentally left behind. Not realizing what had happened, Ellen wandered down the long driveway toward the road, searching for her family. A passing milk truck driver thankfully found her safe. Around the same time, Erma realized Ellen was missing and rushed home in a panic, only to be overcome with relief to find her little girl unharmed.

The Johner family lived first in Arkwright before eventually settling in Tara. As children, Ellen and her siblings learned the value of hard work early on. They helped their mother by delivering homemade bread and buns throughout the community, selling out every week at just 25 cents apiece. Ellen attended the old schoolhouse, then Hall’s Corner School while Tara Public School was under construction, and later Chesley District High School. Growing up, she played baseball in Tara, was active in Junior Farmers, and spent many evenings at local dances, building friendships that would last a lifetime.

After finishing high school, Ellen began her working life with Co-operators Insurance in Owen Sound, where she worked for several years. In 1978, she married Carey Simpson of Owen Sound, and in 1980, they welcomed a daughter, Rebecca, followed by a son, Mathew, in 1982. Wanting to be present for her young family, Ellen left her insurance career and ran a home daycare so she could stay close to her children during their early years.

In 1988, Ellen and Carey went their separate ways and Ellen re-entered the workforce, embarking on a long and varied career in retail that would span more than 35 years. She worked as a merchandiser in clothing stores and held positions in many grocery stores, earning a reputation for her strong work ethic, keen eye for detail, and friendly nature.

Motherhood was at the center of Ellen’s world. Her life revolved around Becca and Mat, and she devoted herself wholeheartedly to their interests and activities. She spent countless hours driving them to skating, baseball, and hockey, travelling near and far—often with her own mother happily tagging along. Even as Mat grew older, Ellen never missed a game. Family trips out west, both by car and by plane, created lasting memories. Ellen was known as the “fun mom”—welcoming, generous, and always ready to help. She was a dependable designated driver for many of Becca and Mat’s friends, even on trips when her own kids weren’t in the car.

Ellen gave deeply to her community. When her children were young, she was active in the Tara United Church Women and also joined the Tara Kinettes, where she remained a proud member for 30 years until the organization folded. She chaired fundraising events, helped with catering, and continued to volunteer even after the group disbanded. Early in her Kinette years, she was honoured as Kinette of the Year and attended the convention in Guelph, where she was also nominated and won District Kinette of the Year.

It was at that convention that Ellen met Ian Gentles, a Kinsmen member and Zone J leader. Introduced by a mutual friend, the two immediately connected. They began dating in 1990 and shared eight wonderful months together before busy lives pulled them in different directions. Even after parting ways, Ian never forgot Ellen—he called her every Halloween to wish her a happy birthday. In 2006, fate stepped in when they ran into each other at Heritage Place Mall, where Ellen was working in a clothing store. The connection was instant and familiar, and they picked up right where they had left off. They later moved in together in 2013, building a loving life side by side.

Ellen’s heart grew even fuller with the arrival of her grandchildren. She cherished every moment she spent with them, proudly attending Christmas concerts, dance recitals, hockey games, baseball games, and countless other events. Watching them grow and succeed brought her immense joy.

Creativity and beauty were woven throughout Ellen’s life. She had an incredible green thumb and took great pride in her stunning perennial flower gardens as well as many colourful annuals planted around her property. She was a talented cook and baker, famous for hearty casseroles and her mother’s homemade buns. Her home was always beautifully decorated, especially during the holidays, and she had a natural sense of style, fashion, and jewellery. In the 1980s and 1990s, she and her oldest sister Enid crafted western jewellery and were quite successful selling their creations at local craft shows. Ellen also treasured her Pendelfin figurine collection, proudly displayed in her china cabinet—even though a few met an untimely end thanks to childhood mishaps.

Music and entertainment brought Ellen great joy. She loved listening to CCR, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Vince Gill, the Eagles, and especially 80s and 90s country and rock. She enjoyed musical plays and was thrilled to see the Dixie Chicks in concert in 2017. Over the years, her favourite shows included Dallas, Dynasty, Dancing with the Stars, Grey’s Anatomy, Survivor, and later, British dramas. But nothing compared to her love of curling and the Toronto Blue Jays. During games, interruptions were not welcome—Ellen rarely missed a match and was never shy about sharing her opinions on Facebook. She even followed local curling on YouTube.

Ellen enjoyed life’s simple pleasures: a good Caesar, a cup of coffee with Baileys or Carolans, and favourite meals like Chinese food, spaghetti, and tacos. Above all, she put others before herself. Ellen was caring, loving, kind, thoughtful, supportive, generous, and accepting—a steady presence and a safe place for so many.

After a decline in her health, Ellen passed away peacefully with her children by her side at London Health Sciences Centre, University Hospital, on Thursday, January 1, 2026, in her 69th year.

Beloved partner of Ian Gentles. Loving mother of Becca Simpson and her daughter Makenna, and Mat and his children Claire and Cody and their mother Jen. Dear sister of Enid Speer, Mark (Jenny) Johner, Jerry (Shelley) Johner, Laura Parker, and Les Johner, and remembered by her two half-brothers Patrick and Michael Johner. She will be missed by her many nieces and nephews, and by the Simpson family. Ellen was predeceased by her nephew Aaron Speer, her brother-in-law Burt Speer, and her parents John and Erma (White) Johner.

A celebration of Ellen’s life will be held at the Tara Legion on Saturday, January 17, 2026, from 1 – 5 p.m., with words of remembrance at 1:30 p.m. Private inurnment in Hillcrest Cemetery, Tara. 

Memorial donations to Tara Minor Ball to assist with improvements to the facility would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.