Stoney Ray Ellis

Last Updated on September 11, 2026 by Cass County Communication Network

Stoney’s obituary was written with love by his family: 

Stoney Ray Ellis went to be with his Lord and Savior on September 9, 2026. He passed at home, surrounded by loved ones, after a long battle with cancer.

He was born in Nashville, Tennessee, on November 25, 1964, to the late James “Jerome” Ellis and Ann Sullivan, who survives. 

He was preceded in death by his father; His step-father Russell Sullivan: his daughter, Diana Marie Ellis; his sisters, Shawnnee Leinsz and Shannon Ellis; and his dear friend, Joshua Balough. We know Stoney and Josh are together again, fishing and getting into a little mischief.

Surviving in addition to his mother, Ann Sullivan, is his longtime partner, Deandra Shepard and son, Ryan Shepard; and his daughter, Erica Ellis Sanders. Also surviving are his brothers, Rocky Ellis (Julie), and Darron Ellis; and his sisters, Neeka Blankenship (Kevin), and Sherrie Ellis (Matt), sister-in-law Alice Snider, his grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and friends that loved him dearly. Also, one very special friend Heather, that was there for him through all his battle!

Stoney loved life, loved people, and had a huge personality. With his southern charm was quick to put a smile on your face and he never meet a stranger. He never left you wondering what was on his mind, because he always called it “as he seen it”, sometimes when he shouldn’t have, with no regards for being “politically correct”. Stoney always had a joke and was quick to make you laugh! He also loved his Tennessee Vols and the family encourages anyone that wants to wear their Tennessee orange in his memory to please do so!

He especially loved his family! He called his Mama every day and had a competition with his brothers as to who would call her first on every holiday or special occasion. Be it Christmas, her birthday, Thanksgiving, Flag Day, Groundhog Day or some other made-up holiday, he did his best to be first! Even if it meant calling her just after midnight (a little tipsy and to her fury) and waking her up just to make sure he was first!

He spent most of his career working in construction, landscaping and restaurant cooking. His later years were spent cooking at The Westside Diner where he gained another extended family. He was passionate about cooking and loved to cook for family and friends, especially on the holidays. He loved having everyone over and spending time with them. He enjoyed fishing and working in his yard. He had a deep love for all of the kids in his life and loved to joke with them, and they loved him too! They all had their special names for him like Tone Tone, Meatball, Pops and they brought so much joy to him!

Services will be held at Fisher Funeral Chapel in Logansport, Saturday September 12th with visitation from 12 pm -2 pm with the service immediately following. He will be laid to rest at Mount Hope Cemetery.

The family invites family and friends to gather at the Elks Lodge following the service for lunch and to celebrate Stoney’s life.

Condolences can be shared at https://www.fisherfuneralchapel.com.