Ellen P. Thorn

Ellen Pickens Thorn (96) passed away in Indianapolis, Indiana on July 13, 2024. Ellen was born “Martha Ellen Pickens” to Scott and Martha Pickens on January 8, 1928, in New Albany, Indiana. She grew up an only child and enjoyed school (except math), friends, movies, and shopping locally or across the river in Louisville. Her father was a furniture factory owner and State Representative, and they spent their summers at their 300-acre working farmhouse in New Albany. Ellen attended Indiana University and was in the Chi Omega sorority. It was there she met her late husband, Gordon Thorn. Ellen also earned her master’s degree at Butler University after having children. Ellen held several positions in the education field, including 4th grade teacher, secretary for the History Professors at Butler, substitute teacher, and frequent volunteer reading tutor. She and Gordon had their sons, David and Bob in the 1950’s, which also kept her busy with traveling and going to sports events. The family enjoyed IU Football and Basketball games – as they were big donors to the programs. They also enjoyed traveling to New Albany to visit family, Hilton Head, and various vacations out of state or country. Ellen was an avid reader, mostly Historical Fiction, and frequented the local library. She loved correcting her family’s grammar (although they didn’t love it as much). She was an excellent cook – chocolate chip cookies, meatballs, dumplings, weekly soups, & grilled cheese - were her family’s favorites. She also loved a Gin Martini. Known for her tell-you-like-it-is personality, she often showed her softer side when it came to her granddaughters. Ellen took them everywhere in Indianapolis - Children’s Museum, Zoo, shopping (mostly Limited Too), movies, and amazing restaurants. She is preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Gordon Thorn. She is survived by her sons, David Thorn (Karter) and Robert “Bob” Thorn (Kathy), and their daughters Kaleigh Burton (Nick) and Kourtney Case (Spencer), and two Great Granddaughters whom she called “her babies” – Blake (4) and Elle (1) Burton. Ellen lived a long and accomplished life and will be missed deeply by her family. A special “Thank You” to her nurses and caretakers, especially her friend, Rhonda, and the Westminster Hospice Care staff – Michelle, Folake, and Latosha. Ellen will be put to rest next to her husband, Gordon, at Second Presbyterian Church by her immediate family. There will be no public services held. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Meals on Wheels.