Ivan Ely

Ivan Ray Ely, of Chillicothe, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Monday, April 14, 2025, at Adena Regional Medical Center at the age of 89. He was born on September 14, 1935, in Mineral, Ohio, a son of Ernest Ray Ely (1896-1986) and Clara Ines Brooks Ely (1897-1996). He married Betty Jo Ryland on February 3, 1955, who passed in 2010, and they shared 55 wonderful years together.

Ivan is survived by four sons, Michael R. Ely, MS of Cincinnati, OH, Ted C. Ely, PhD of Chillicothe, OH, Mark C. Ely, PhD (Brenda) of Salt Lake City, UT, and Eric D. Ely, MA (Sharon) of Washington Court House, OH; thirteen grandchildren, Dr. Brian M. Ely (Alicia), Erika E. Mullins (Jason), Seth R. Ely, Elizabeth R. Ely, Steven C. Ely (Thalia), Shawn M. Ely, Sarah L. Ely Shamy (Nick), Emily Ely, Adam L. Ely (Alisa), Makayla J. Ely, Nathaneal S. R. Ely, Rowan M. Ely, and Grady M. Ely; and ten great grandchildren, SPC William M. Ely, Allison M. Ely, Alexus A. Ely, Lana J. Mullins, Claire E. Mullins, Kendra L. Ely, Giana E. Sikes, Hunter M. Ely, Gabriela J. Ely, and Nora J. Ely. Ivan is also survived by his long-time companion, Frances Counts, of Frankfort, OH. They first met in high school, connected again later in life, and had many beautiful years together. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest R. and Clara I. Brooks Ely, his siblings, Thelma Dean Ely McAfee, Freida M. Ely Kelly, Clyde Vernon Ely, PFC Bernard Daniel Ely, PFC Estel Dale Ely, Cleota Bernice Ely Cyrus, and a grandson, Joshua David Ely.

Dad graduated from Unioto H.S. in 1954, where he played basketball, ran track, and played trumpet in the high school band. After graduating, he worked at the Mead Corporation and retired as a millwright in 1987. He lived a full, rich life with many interests and hobbies. He was an outdoorsman who loved to hunt, fish, and work on the farm. An excellent craftsman with wood, metal, and leather, he could build anything, make anything, or fix anything. He was also very artistic—as at home with an oil painting brush in his hand as he was with a wrench. Dad and mom collected antiques for many years and traveled the country together searching for unique pieces. Dad had a lifelong passion for music and was a fantastic trumpet player. His love of music was a gift he passed on to his children. He saw the world differently than most people and was a creative and forward thinker. Dad lived in the present with an eye on the future while never forgetting his past. He is gone from the Earth, yet his lessons will continue to guide our paths forward. That is his gift and legacy to all of us.

Friends may call on Monday, April 21 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Haller Funeral Home, 1661 Western Avenue in Chillicothe. Interment will follow at 3 p.m. at New Marshfield Cemetery in New Marshfield, Ohio in Athens County.