Ellen Warren

Ms. Mary Ellen Warren, of Maryville, TN, and Madison, GA, passed away on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at the age of 79. 

Ellen Warren lived a life that was as full, vibrant, and remarkable as she was. Beautiful, intelligent, hardworking, and endlessly funny, Ellen had a rare gift for doing everything with style, grace, and heart – even when she was mucking stalls or chucking hay. 

Ellen was the proud owner of Full Circle Farm, a place that reflected her generous spirit and deep love for animals. While she raised beef cows, the farm was also home to a joyful and ever-changing menagerie of rescued “misfits” she could not resist: emus, chickens, llamas, guinea fowl, peacocks, donkeys, horses, turkeys, pigs, dogs, and many, many cats. Her cats, in particular, were her treasured companions and loves of her life.  

No matter the task, Ellen always seemed to look as though she stepped off the pages of a magazine. Whether tending the animals, working the land, or heading out on an adventure, she carried herself with effortless elegance and unmistakable presence. Even through her hard-fought and arduous ten-year battle with multiple myeloma, she was the picture of grace and strength. 

Before retiring solely into farm life, Ellen spent 33 years as a Delta flight attendant, traveling the world. She loved telling stories of her adventures and all the people she met on the planes. She delighted in sharing those adventures, often taking family along on unforgettable trips that became cherished memories. Her love of aviation didn’t stop there – Ellen was also a pilot, flying her own Cessna airplane and embodying her lifelong independence and adventurous spirit. 

Ellen’s impact extended far beyond her farm. She was deeply loved in her community and served with dedication as a County Commissioner from 2004 - 2016, two of which she was the Chair. She also served on the board of the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center, was an avid participant in the garden club, and volunteered extensively with the Morgan County Humane Society. One of her proudest accomplishments was helping bring a much-needed hospital to her rural community, a lasting legacy of her commitment to the community and friends that gave her so much over the years.   

Ellen leaves behind a community made better by her service, a farm filled with memories (and animals), and countless friends and family whose lives are richer for having known her. She is survived by her sister, Martha Ruble; sister-in-law, Evelyn Warren; companion, Preston Small; nephews, Michael Ruble and Adam (Nikki) Warren; nieces, Lorie (Michael) Cashman and Mary Kathryn (Amir Khan) Warren; great-niece (Ava Warren); brother, Charles Young; and grandson, Brian Farmer. She is preceded in death by her parents, Mead and Frances Warren, and brother, James Warren.  

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2026, 11:00 AM, at Episcopal Church of the Advent. A reception will immediately follow the service at the parish house.  

Should you wish to make a gift in tribute to Ellen’s life (in lieu of flowers), the family extends its appreciation and requests donations be made to either of the following: 

Morgan County Humane Society

1170 Fairgrounds Rd.

Madison, GA 30650

(706) 343-9977

Episcopal Church of the Advent 

33 Academy Street

Madison, GA 30650

(706) 342-4787

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