Yesterday we received a call from Bruce that our Beloved Miss Ellen crossed over the Rainbow Bridge peacefully in her sleep.

Many of you never had the pleasure of knowing her personally or even here on GliderCENTRAL, but because of her this message board and all it stands for is what it is today.

Ellen and Bruce stepped in as Owners in 1998, with Ellen being the 'Mother Hen' of GliderCENTRAL, a name the staff affectionately gave her.

Ellen not only attended but worked the SGGA's, coming up with many ideas to raise money for the glider community. She helped raise funds for the First Diet Study and helped with too many things to remember.

She was also a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great friend.

We will miss you Miss Ellen.

Prayers for her and her family

My time with her was precious. I adored her. She was indeed our "Mother hen" and she played that part well. Gave props when you did something good and gave smacks when you did something bad.

Miss Ellen meant a LOT to me. I have missed her dearly over the years but she never left my mind or heart just as she will not now.

My heart is filled with sadness for my own selfish reason, but my soul is filled with joy for her freedom from pain and suffering.

Her and Bruce were a larger part of my life than they realized, and they always will be.

R.I.P. Miss Ellen, I am sure you and Karin will come up with all sorts of ways to 'get us'.

Until we meet again.

I feel like a wonderful, golden era has died right along with her. My heart weeps with sadness, yet I also weep tears of joy that she is now free from pain and in heaven with all her gliders & dogs that passed before her. I am glad for the years I had with her as my mentor while being a mod here on GC.

Bruce, please know that my heart is with you during this time of sorrow & joy. God bless you. (((hugs)))

I never had the pleasure of knowing Ellen, but I thank her for all she has done for GliderCENTRAL. My deepest condolences to her family and those here that knew her so well.

Though I did not know her, I mourn her as one mourns the fallen dove, and recognize a great light in the world has now gone out.

For thee, O now a silent soul, my sister,
Take at my hands this garland, and farewell.
Thin is the leaf, and chill the wintry smell,
And chill the solemn earth, a fatal mother,
With sadder than the Niobean womb,
And in the hollow of her breasts a tomb.
Content thee, howsoe'er, whose days are done;
There lies not any troublous thing before,
Nor sight nor sound to war against thee more,
For whom all winds are quiet as the sun,
All waters as the shore.

...I never met Ellen in person...but I talked to her many times on the phone. she was an angel right here on earth. My love...my thoughts...and my prayers go out to her family. She was a true friend...a trusted friend...she had so much love to give and she gave it.

I love you Ellen...take care of our babies up there and give Charlie a hug for me.

Mary

My heart goes out to Miss Ellen ' s family. I never had the chance to meet her but have seen her work on the board.

Glide Free Miss Ellen

My prayers are with her family.
Right now I am sure she is cuddling all those gliders that have also passed over the rainbow bridge, and her smile is a mile wide. I am thankful for the work she has done for our furry glider friends.

I've always had the deepest respect and admiration for both Ellen and Bruce. Thank you Bourbon for sharing this news with me. When I think of Ellen, I think passionate, compassionate, and desire to learn facts scientifically. I was blessed to have shared many long conversations with her and Ellen was generous with her time and eager to progress knowledge in sharing improved sugar glider husbandry. Ellen, you will always be loved and deepest condolences to Dr. Bruce. Lisa

Bourbon I thank you for letting me know. I had the pleasure of knowing Ellen for many years. We talked late into the night at SGGA's and I don't know how many hours were spent on the phone, but I know we had quite a few marathons. Boy I learned so much from her. The SGGA's have not felt the same without Ellen and Bruce. I had not talked to Ellen in years. Partly because my illness was getting worse and I was away from the community for so long. I used to be known as K and D Exotics. The other reason was because Ellen was just starting to get very ill herself. Thanks to Lucy we all called and talked to Ellen at this years SGGA while we were at dinner. It was hard not to cry out of happiness when I heard her voice. That moment is such a blessing especially now. I loved Ellen very much and will continue doing so. She is one of the greatest women I have had the pleasure to meet. Bourbon and everyone took Ken and I in and embraced us and I don't think we have ever felt more loved and wanted than by this group of people. Ellen was a force and I'm sure she still is. I agree that Ellen and Karin (another force ) will both be up there having all sorts of fun and watching over us to make sure we stick to the point and that is that we are here to learn and take care of the gliders. Ellen is no longer in pain and in a great place. RIP Ellen you will be greatly missed.
Bruce I am so sorry for your loss your family as well.

I am saddened to hear this! Thank you Ellen for everything you did! Bruce will be in my thoughts and prayers

This is a sad time for the entire glider community, Ellen you will be missed! My thoughts and prayers are with my glider family!

I've been to several SGGA's, but I cannot say that I recall ever having had the opportunity to meet her personally.

I have, however, spent several years enjoying the fruits of her labors here on GC. Thanks to this website, I've learned many hundreds of important facts and met even more people than there may be stars in the sky.

Thank you, Ellen, for all your labors while here in this world. Many many lives have been touched by your love for sugar gliders, and I stop to say a heart-felt THANK YOU!

I hope a place of honor has been reserved for you among all the other glider saints who have preceded you. Watch over the gossamer pouches where our babies sleep until we all meet again.

My deepest condolences to Bruce and his family ..

Miss Ellen meant alot to alot of people. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Rest In Peace, Ellen. Bruce and all of her loved ones will be in my thoughts and prayers. I have missed Ellen's presence on the board and I respect and admire her greatly. <3 Much love and many hugs to all who knew and loved her.

Wow! I am so sorry for the Ross Family as well as for GC community.

Even though Ellen has not been active for some time... I still and so do others... remember Ellen as the Rock of the Glider Community with Glider Central. She along with Bruce's support have done sooooo much for this community.

Fly High and give my little Sesamie a kiss for me.

Till we meet again.....

Judie Hausmann

Just a few photos to share of such an amazing woman who was loved by so very many.

Peggy thank you for those pics!!!! That meant a lot. I wish I took photos more. I always forget to do it.

Thank you Srib for posting the pictures. I was shocked and delighted to see there was a picture of me with Ellen! I have downloaded it and will cherish it always. Bravo to you. Ellen touched SO many lives! Lisa

P.S. And Ellen Ross was a world class hugger! So sincere, so much love.

Prayers for peace for all who loved Ellen. She fought a great fight against her illness but was called home to heaven leaving all of us here with tears.

Until we meet again have fun for us up there Ellen and Karin!

Heaven gained another beautiful person. I lit a candle in memory of Ellen.

Sending prayers and deepest sympathy...

Sympathies to Bruce and the family. I bet Ellen and Karin are having a ball together.

I am so sorry to hear! Love and comfort to Bruce and family