Ellen Gail Hall Rice

Ellen Gail Hall Rice, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, passed away peacefully on December 9, 2025, at home—surrounded by her loved ones—after a courageous battle with cancer. While our hearts are heavy, we find comfort in knowing that her suffering has ended and she is now reunited with her loved ones who passed before her.

Ellen was born June 22, 1961, in Lynchburg and attended Rustburg High School.

Ellen was a woman of deep warmth and unwavering love. She found joy in the simple, beautiful things in life — the changing colors of fall, the peacefulness of snow falling, the quiet strength of the mountains, the brightness of sunflowers, and anything flavored with pumpkin. Music was her constant companion, filling her days with rhythm and soul.

She is now reunited with her parents, Diane and Archie; in-laws, Eddie and Esther; her cherished late husband, Ronnie; and her beloved niece, Missy. We can only imagine the reunion — full of love, laughter, dancing and peace.

Ellen was the devoted mother of her only daughter, Mary Helms, and a loving mother-in-law to Ryan Helms. She was the proud MeMe of Emma Gail, Madyson Elizabeth, and Rylee Thomas— roles she held closest to her heart. Her love and pride in her grandchildren knew no bounds.

Ellen was the loving sister of her siblings William Hall and his wife Roslyn, Ruby Metzger and her husband Ed, and Etta Hall; and her sister-in-laws Joan Bates and Lola Scruggs. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews who affectionately knew her as “Aunt Ellen.” She was like a second mother and grandmother to many, opening her heart and home to her daughter’s friends and her grandchildren’s friends, loving them as her own.

To her friends— and especially to those who were welcomed into her motherly embrace over the years — she was a guiding light, a comforting presence, and a source of unconditional love.

Ellen was a hard worker. She worked in patient care at CVTC for many years. She took pride in her role as a server. She was recognized everywhere she went by her customers from the Koffee Kup, Colonial and most recently: County Line Cafe. She loved her customers and coworkers—both past and present.

Ellen lived a life marked by kindness, strength, and generosity. Her presence will be missed beyond measure, but her spirit will live on in the many lives she touched.

The family would like to thank Dr Rasheed, and the staff at CSCH cancer center and Pearson Cancer center for their compassion and loving care.

The family will receive friends on Friday, December 12, 2025, from 5pm-7pm at Tharp Funeral Home. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 2:00pm in the chapel at Tharp Funeral Home with Pastor Mike Dodson officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution directly to the funeral home.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg is assisting the family.