Died: January 8, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ellen Louise Bond, who left us on Jan. 8, 2025, after a very brief battle with leukemia.
Ellen is survived by her daughter, Jennifer Vinson; her son, Brad Rusnak (Angela); six grandchildren [Chris (Michelle), Colton (Jessica) and Taylor (Ashley) Scott; Trevor Rusnak; Jessica (James) Vinson and Emily (Eric) Bell]; seven great-grandchildren; siblings Susan Traylor and Br. Frederick Bond III; and several cousins – all of whom will cherish memories of her. She was predeceased by her parents, Frederick Jr. and Eleanor Bond.
Born in Cleveland in 1945, Ellen graduated from Shaw High School and attended Mount Union College before starting a family. Ellen later finished her bachelor’s degree in education at University of Toledo, often with her children in tow. After teaching for several years, she transitioned to a career in banking and real estate.
Ellen loved her hometown, cherished time with family and friends, valued her faith and never met a stranger. She attended countless concerts, programs and games featuring her children and grandchildren, and enjoyed a good book and listening to music. Wanting to always find a reason to celebrate, Ellen created family traditions her kids still follow today, from pancakes at the Burton Volunteer Fire Department each March to July 4th orchestra concerts at Blossom Music Center to visiting GE’s Nela Park during the holidays to see the light display.
After snowbirding for several years, Ellen relocated to Tarpon Springs, Florida, where she formed friendships with many neighbors, spent most days in the pool and looked forward to their community activities. She loved exploring the area and found inner peace and serenity during trips to nearby Sunset Beach.
Ellen’s wishes were to forgo a formal service so we encourage those whose lives she touched to find a special way to celebrate her life. You may also want to consider a donation in her honor to the American Cancer Society or a charitable organization important to you.
In Ellen’s files we found a note containing passages from “Let Me Go” by Christine Georgina Rossetti and other poems about life’s transition:
When I come to the end of the road
And the sun has set for me
I want no rites in a gloom-filled room.
Why cry for a soul set free?
Miss me a little, but not too long
And not with your head bowed low.
Remember the love that we once shared.
Miss me, but let me go.
For this is a journey that we all must take
And always take it alone.
It’s all a part of a master plan,
A step on the road to home.
When you are lonely and feeling blue
Go to the friends we know.
Bury your sorrow while doing good deeds.
You may miss me, but I must go.
You will be okay, for I am with you
Today, tomorrow and always.
Love and MIZPAH.
Rest easy on your final journey, Mom. Know that you are deeply missed but will live on in our hearts and memories.
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