Ellen Sass   Ellen S. Sass, 64, of LaPorte, died unexpectedly at 1:35 a.m. Friday, March 5, 2010, in LaPorte at her brother’s home.

   She was born Sept. 21, 1945, in Michigan City, IN, to James and Florence (Spellecy) McNally.

   Mrs. Sass was a bus driver for the LaPorte Community School Corporation until her retirement in 2010. She touched the lives of many children in LaPorte County for 34 years. Ellen had also worked at Burger King and Handy Dandy and volunteered for many years at Crichfield, Lincoln and Handley elementary schools. Ellen enjoyed watching her children, grandchildren and others play sports in the community, and was always there to cheer them on. She was known as the “Champion of the Underdog” and famous for making rock soup. In her spare time, she also loved ceramics and reading.

   On Feb. 4, 1967, in Michigan City, she married Pete Sass Sr., who survives.

   Also surviving are three daughters, Natalie Sass (John Lowe), Angie (Jeremy) Sutten and Gin Sass; two sons, Pete (Dana) Sass and Jeff (Teresa) Jamison; one sister, Flossy McNally; two brothers, Mark (Karen) McNally and Tom (Susie) McNally; 12 grandchildren, T.J., Max, Drew, Hayden, Charlie Ann, Jacob, Hunter, Jeffery, Justin, Shannon, Greg, and Terry; three nieces, Sue Warnke, Shannon Eason and Krista Hay; and one nephew, Brian McNally.

   Preceding her in death were her parents; one brother, James McNally; and one sister, Marge Jamison.

   A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 7, at Cummings Lodge, LaPorte, with Pastor Dan McDonald officiating. Visitation and viewing will be at Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, LaPorte, on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cremation will take place following the service.

   Memorial contributions may be made to the family c/o Lakeview Funeral Home and Crematory, 247 W. Johnson Rd., LaPorte, IN 46350.

   Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP, as well as at www.LakeviewFHC.com.