Ellen Theresa Totten

A funeral service celebrating the life of Ellen Theresa Totten, age 80, of Newark, will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 11, at Criss Wagner Hoskinson Funeral Home. Burial will take place in Wilson Cemetery.

Ellen was born July 19, 1945 in Newark, Ohio to the late William Ross and Eleanor (Knight) Totten. She passed away on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at the Selma Markowitz Care Center (operated by Hospice of Central Ohio).

Ellen enjoyed spending time at LICCO, the James Center, and The Gathering Place. She cherished her travels, especially with the “Girls on the Run” group, enjoying memorable trips to Amish Country and the Newport Aquarium in Kentucky. On outings, Ellen loved donning her fancy hats, savoring delicious food, and indulging in her passion for flavored coffee and sparkling juice during special occasions out of specially decorated and personalized cups. One of her fond memories was the thrill of riding in a Dodge Charger on her 75th birthday, thoroughly enjoying the experience.

Fondly known as “Rotten Totten” by her caregivers, Ellen's playfulness was well-known among her caregivers and friends for her endearing mischievousness which included expertly pulling jokes and playfully "stealing" their drinks.

Her zest for life was demonstrated by her love for her stuffed animals and she loved playing with her “babies”. In the last two years Ellen's joyful nature shone brightly as she became a hugger, a snuggler, and liked to hold hands, spreading warmth and leaving a beautiful legacy by teaching compassion in her own unique way.

She is survived by her roommates of many years, Joy, Lindsay, and Terry, and her many caregivers, all of whom she considered to be family.

Special thanks to Newark Resident Homes, Best Nursing, Hospice of Central Ohio, her guardian Dawn Snyder with ASAP, and Colleen Lloyd from the Licking County Board of Developmental Disabilities for their excellent care of Ellen over the years.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Foundation for Hospice of Central Ohio, 2269 Cherry Valley Road SE, Newark, OH 43055.

Criss Wagner Hoskinson Funeral Home is honored to care for Ellen and her family.