Ellen M. Spencer

Ellen Marie Spencer, age 85, of Bryan, Ohio, passed away on August 17, 2026 at 6:15 pm surrounded by family.

Ellen was born on June 8, 1941, in Hicksville, Ohio, the daughter of Edgar and Margaret (Fox) Sonner. She graduated from Fairview High School in 1959. Early into adulthood she raised her children in the rural countryside of West Unity, Ohio with their father and her first husband Peter. She was a selfless homemaker with a hard work ethic and a keen eye to detail. She enjoyed gardening, canning, baking, and cooking for family and friends. After sharing meals she enjoyed playing board games, card games (her most favorite being Euchre) and watching NASCAR. When her children got older, she purchased and managed a country carry out store near their home for several years.

Transitioning from living and working in the rural area she began traveling while working across the United States with her second husband. In June of 1985 she married Jerry G. Spencer, and he preceded her in death in June of 2017. Together they worked in hospitality management from California to the Quad Cities in Iowa, Illinois, Georgia, Arizona, Florida and Branson, Missouri noted to be their favorite working under the Boxcar Willie name/hotel. For a change of pace and career they decided to try managing 500-unit mini storage units in Arizona and Florida. With a little extra time now they decided to adopt their precious dachshund Jenny, of 16 years. They enjoyed taking in the sights and tourist adventures of every state visited while working across the country. Ellen enjoyed picking up her favorite Krispy Kreme donuts wherever possible. Many fond memories of camping trips with their motor home, especially with family at Indiana Beach. When retirement became a reality they moved back to Bryan, Ohio to be near family.

Ellen is survived by four children; Andrew ( Suzanne) Poncsak of Lewis Center, Ohio, Angela (Mark) Grine of Liberty Center, Ohio, Rick (Stephanie) Poncsak and Mick (Dana) Poncsak of Bryan, Ohio; three stepchildren, Toni (Ken) Nichols of Middlebury, Florida, Jodi (John) Radabaugh of Edgerton, Ohio and Troy Spencer of Farmer, Ohio; grandchildren: Dane, Devin (Amanda), Cayl, Colton, Crystal (Joe), Brandon (Lauren), Brianna (Michael), Christian, Grace, Nathan (Josh) and Seth; step grandchildren: Allison, Jason, Brandi, Michael, Michala, and Blake; three great grandchildren: Aurora, Zane and Quinn; and 9 sisters and 3 brothers. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister, Joan Miller and infant granddaughter Erika Grine.

In accordance with Ellen’s wishes, a celebration of life will be private with family at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in honor of Ellen may be given to the Alzheimer’s Association, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Elara Hospice Care, or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Ellen's obituary announcement was loving prepared by her family.

Krill Funeral Home, Bryan, Ohio is honored to serve Ellen's family.