Ellen Small

Ellen Stanley Small, age 84, of Mercerville, Ohio, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at her residence. She was born on November 2, 1941, in Cabin Creek, West Virginia, daughter of the late Homer and Nellie Stanley.

Ellen was united in marriage to Charles Small on October 14, 1961, and together they shared 64 years of marriage. She was a devoted and loving wife, deeply proud of her husband and his service as a veteran of the Vietnam War. Ellen was a loving mother to her two children, Trevor Small and Niki Stapleton, and her family was the center of her life.

She was a faithful member of Mercerville Baptist Church, where she served the Lord with a humble and giving heart. Ellen was a devoted Sunday School teacher and greatly enjoyed teaching children about the Gospel of the Lord, planting seeds of faith that will continue to bear fruit. She found great joy in worship and Christian fellowship. Ellen especially loved gospel music and looked forward to attending the Quartet Convention in Louisville, Kentucky. Among her favorites were the songs sung by The Inspirations, which brought her comfort and joy.

Ellen was preceded in death by her parents, Homer and Nellie Stanley; her half-brothers and half-sisters, Clinton Stanley, Laura Mae Stanley Clere, Hobert Stanley, Melvin Dyke Sr., and Eddie Stanley; and her full siblings, Constance (Connie) Hemphill and Montiena Thompson.

She is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, Charles Small; her children, Trevor (Sonya) Small and Niki (Danny) Stapleton; her brothers, Paul Burman Stanley, and William Elmer (Linda) Stanley; her cherished grandchildren, Ciara (Cole) Spurlin, Colin (Kirsten Abrams) Pratt, Andrew Small, Hope Stapleton, Jonah Stapleton, Gideon Stapleton, Dominic Stapleton, and Danika Stapleton; her precious great-grandchild, Lainey Pratt; and several nieces and nephews whom she loved. Ellen dearly loved her family and took special joy in her grandchildren, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, service, and devotion that will be treasured by all who knew her.

The funeral service for Ellen will be held Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Willis Funeral Home with Pastor Dean Warner officiating. Beau Miller will read the eulogy, and Garret Fitch will provide special music. Calling hours will be Monday, January 12, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 at the funeral Home. Her burial will follow in Ridgelawn Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Andrew Small, Colin Pratt, Mike Hemphill, Cole Spurlin, Alan Bailey, and Jeff Barnes.

“Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”

— Matthew 25:23