Ellen Elizabeth Vance

Ellen Elizabeth (Albers) Vance was received into God’s eternal glory on August 10, 2026, in Indianapolis, Indiana, just days after the celebration of her seventy-ninth birthday. She was born on July 26, 1947, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to her parents, Reverend Edgar and Gertrude Albers. Her parents encouraged Ellen and her three sisters to pursue professions that could improve the lives of others in a meaningful way while living lives of faith and witness to God’s love.

Ellen was the beloved wife of James Vance, with whom she shared 57 years of partnership. Together, they built multiple homes and many shared stories along the way. They hunted for treasured antiques, planted seeds, gardened, and served in many different ways at Calvary Lutheran Church.
Over the years, they opened their home to several rescue dogs who brightened their lives. They enjoyed card games with family and all the playful ribbing that came with it. And still, the cornerstone of their marriage was their shared faith in Jesus Christ as their Savior.

As a mother, Ellen’s love and guidance were imparted to her children, Michael Alan Vance (Jennifer) and Jennifer Ellen (Vance) Sitzman (Derek), who survive her. Ellen’s enduring legacy also extends to her cherished grandchildren, Kadeyn, Kaytlyn, and Micah Vance, whose lives continue to be
brightened by memories of her faith, wisdom, humor, and her sincere concern for their opportunities, safety, and success.

Ellen’s compassionate reach extended not only within her family but into her professional life. After graduating from Valparaiso University with a degree in biology and working for a time in that field, she pivoted into nonprofit fundraising, leaving a lasting legacy of financial stability and impact to the organizations she served. Ellen started her biology career at the V.A. Hospital, and then moved into fundraising for Lutheran High School of Indianapolis, Lutheran Child and Family Services, and Lutheran Association of Missionaries and Pilots. During her tenure at these organizations, she helped them write and win grants and attain fundraising totals that had never been achieved before.

Ellen was a voracious reader. She adored birds, especially hummingbirds. She loved to travel and spoke most fondly of trips with her sisters and cruises with friends. Ellen was a dedicated friend, and she demonstrated her care for others in how she showed up in service during challenging times.

Ellen’s path of love and generosity was guided by the examples set forth by her parents, Rev. Edgar H. Albers and Gertrude (Hodde) Albers, both of whom preceded her in death. She was also predeceased by her son, James Thomas Vance; her grandson, David James Vance; and her sisters, Elaine Marguerite Plackner and Carolyn Louise Fletcher. Their memories persist in the lasting bonds of family Ellen helped forge and cherish.

Among those who carry her spirit forward is her beloved sister, Lois Ann Lucas, and a multitude of extended family whose shared history and devotion stand as another enduring tribute to Ellen’s life.

Family, friends, and all whose lives were touched by Ellen are invited to gather for visitation on Saturday, August 15, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Calvary Lutheran Church, 6111 Shelby Street, Indianapolis, Indiana. Services in celebration of Ellen’s life will follow at 1:00 p.m. in the same church, where together, stories, memories, and gratitude for her presence may be joined in one harmonious voice of remembrance.

Ellen’s cremains will be inurned at Concordia Cemetery at the resting place of her son, James Thomas Vance.

Service entrusted to O’Riley–Branson Funeral Service & Crematory, 6107 S. East Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46227. Memorials in lieu of flowers may be made to the Lutheran Diaconal Association, Elaine Albers Plackner Endowed Scholarship online at https://thelda.org/donations/ or mailed to: Lutheran Diaconal Association, 1304 Laporte Ave, Valparaiso, IN 46383, USA. Please visit www.ORileyBranson.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.

With a life carried out in service of God and of those she cherished most, Ellen Elizabeth Vance leaves behind a legacy of Godly devotion, service to others, and rich wisdom. May her memory remain a source of comfort and inspiration to all who were privileged to know and love her.