Ellen Rainier

April 25, 1956 – May 21, 2025

Ellen Rainier, 69, Carmel, passed away on May 21, 2025, in her home. After a 40-year battle with rheumatoid arthritis, Ellen is at rest with her Lord in a place with no more pain or suffering. She was born April 25, 1956, in Lafayette, Ind., daughter of Carl and Florence (Miller) Rainier.

At a young age, Ellen was drawn to a career in nursing. She received her undergraduate degree in nursing from Ball State University. She then received her master’s from the University of Michigan – where she researched how to improve the quality of life for disabled individuals through the development of exercise programs.

Ellen held heartfelt beliefs concerning the compassion and professionalism that nurses should demonstrate to every patient. She began her career as a staff nurse at Home Hospital in Lafayette. Throughout her long career, she worked in hospice care, home health care, as well as serving as a staff nurse in other facilities. She taught clinical nursing at IU Medical Center in Indianapolis and Indiana Vocational Technical College – where she had the opportunity to create a course in medical terminology and pass on to the next generation her passionate views concerning the nursing profession.

When the ravages of rheumatoid arthritis finally took away the physical skills Ellen utilized in her profession, she was determined to provide for herself and not become a burden to others. The final years of her career were spent seeking authorizations for patients at Northside Gastroenterology.

Beyond her work life, Ellen experienced much joy and many friendships in two groups she found at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church. She served as an officer and enthusiastic promoter for Toastmasters – where she honed her oratory skills while always seeking to entertain with a bit of humor. She found kinship among the members of New Life Circle – where she had an opportunity to learn, laugh, and serve with other single Christian women.

In addition to her parents, Ellen was preceded in death by her brother, John Rainier.

Survivors include her sister, Ruth (Brent) Brown; sister-in-law, Melissa Rainier; niece, Taylor (Nate) Parham; nephews, Adam (Alwyn) Rainier, Joshua (Jamie) Brown, and David (Shannon) Brown; six grand nieces and nephews; and her beloved cat, Jenny.

Family and friends will gather at noon on Friday, May 30, 2025, at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, Robertson Chapel, where her funeral service will begin at 1 p.m.

Burial will take place in Carmel Cemetery at 3:45 p.m.

Ellen would be honored by donations to the Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation, 8815 Conroy Windermere Road, Ste. 309, Orlando, FL, 32825, to give hope to those who live with this life-altering disease.

Bussell Family Funerals is privileged to assist the family in arrangements.

Condolences: bussellfamilyfunerals.com