Ellen Ruth Church, 97 of Nevada, died Tuesday, January 26, 2021, at her home near Nevada. Ellen was born July 18, 1923, in St. Joseph, MO the daughter of William Henry and Carrie Edith (Vogel) Wagenfield. On September 12, 1948, she was united in marriage to Hubert M. Church in St. Joseph, MO. Ellen earned her AA degree from Missouri Western and her bachelor's and master's degree from KU. In her early years, she taught high school English and music in Kansas and once she started a family, Ellen taught piano lessons in her home. Ellen was a devoted and faithful member of Cornerstone Baptist Church in Ankeny, where she was the church pianist and taught Sunday school and Bible study. Ellen enjoyed tending to her garden and flowers and reading. She also enjoyed traveling, mostly day trips with her family. Ellen is survived by her children: David Church of Cedar Rapids, Martha Church of Nevada, and Don (Kathryn) Church of Cedar Rapids; her grandchildren: Arie (Samantha) Church, Bryan (Julie) Church, Jonathan (Lindsey) Church, Kaitlin (Kyle) Weppler and Rachel Church; and her great-grandchildren: Beatrix, Lina, Lillian, Emma, and Oliver. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her daughter, Margaret Ray; her brother, Quentin Wagenfield; her daughter-in-law, Cheryl Church; and her granddaughter, Anna Church (in infancy). A visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, February 1, 2021 at Cornerstone Baptist Church (701 E. First Street) in Ankeny until the funeral service begins at 11 a.m. The service will be recorded and will be uploaded to the tribute wall for Ellen on the Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home website. Burial will be 1 p.m. Tuesday, February 2, 2021 at Memorial Park Cemetery in St. Joseph, MO. Memorial contributions may be made to Cornerstone Baptist Church in memory of Ellen. Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home in Nevada is handling arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.rasmussonfh.com.