Lu Ellyn Pond, 95, of Warren, IN, passed away peacefully at 6:36 AM on Monday, November 2, 2026, at Heritage Pointe in Warren.

Lu Ellyn was born on November 30, 1930, in Warren, to the late Ward E. Irick and Ruby J. (Thompson) Irick. On April 23, 1950, she married Robert E. “Bob” Pond at the Boehmer United Methodist Church. Bob preceded her in death on March 20, 2015. She had been a lifetime member of the Boehmer United Methodist Church and a member of the Salem United Methodist Church in Ohio.

A lifelong educator at heart, Lu Ellyn had a true passion for teaching and believed deeply in the importance of education. After graduating from high school in 1948, she attended Bowling Green State University, where she earned her degree in education. She went on to devote 25 years of her life to teaching sixth grade at Salem Public Schools in Ohio.

For Lu Ellyn, teaching was far more than a profession; it was a calling. She understood that the influence of a teacher reached well beyond the classroom, and she took great pride in helping shape the young minds and lives entrusted to her care. She believed in the potential of every student and found great joy in watching children learn, grow, and discover their abilities. Through her patience, encouragement, and dedication, she made a lasting difference in the lives of countless students. As adults, her students would still approach her if they ran into her, creating many lifelong bonds over the years.

Lu Ellyn’s desire to help others did not end with her retirement from teaching. For many years, she served as a court-appointed guardian in Columbiana County, Ohio, continuing her commitment to caring for and advocating for others.

In retirement, Lu Ellyn and her husband, Bob, enjoyed traveling and embracing opportunities to continue learning and exploring new places. She had a love for flowers, being outdoors working in the yard and enjoyed baking cookies and peach pies. She also treasured time spent with her grandchildren, who brought her tremendous happiness. Whether sharing stories, visiting with others, or simply enjoying a conversation, Lu Ellyn valued the connections she made throughout her life and was happy to live her retirement years back in her hometown of Warren.

She is survived by her son, David (Karen) Pond of Bardstown, KY; daughter, Jane (Mike) Barrett of Zionsville, IN; grandchildren, Carrie Pond (Charles Adams) of Lexington, KY, Steven (Jenny) Pond of Taylorsville, KY, Matthew (Megan) Barrett of Fleming, OH, and Julie (Chris) Callahan of Zionsville, IN; six great-grandchildren; sister, Nell J. Witt of Florida; brother, Dr. Neil Irick of Florida; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ward E. and Ruby J. Irick; her beloved husband, Robert E. Pond; and two brothers, Joh L. Irick and Don W. Irick.

Family and friends may gather to share and remember on Monday, November 9, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Heritage Pointe Applegate Chapel, 801 Huntington Avenue, Warren, IN. A funeral service will follow at 1:00 PM, with Pastor Barry Humble officiating. Burial will take place at Thompson Home Cemetery in Warren.

Preferred memorials may be made to Knight Bergman Preservation, P.O. Box 532, Warren, IN 46792, and/or Thompson Home Cemetery, 8182 S. 500 E., Warren, IN 46792.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Glancy-H. Brown & Son Funeral Home in Warren, IN.