Mary "Ellen" Askren (nee Bridges), age 60, of Portage passed away Thursday June 3, 2021 at Northwest Health, Porter. Ellen was born October 14, 1960 in Gary, Indiana to Maurice & Mary (Holsapple) Bridges, Jr.  Ellen was a transportation coordinator with Portage Township School System for many years and will be deeply missed by her colleagues. She was a member of Crossroads Family Church in Portage and was very active in the tech department, as well as serving as Missionettes teacher/coordinator for many years.  Ellen enjoyed crocheting – especially making items for her four grandchildren and great niece.  She was a member Order of the Eastern Star Olive Chapter #396.

Ellen is survived by her loving husband, Thomas Askren of Portage; her parents, Maurice & Mary Bridges of Portage; daughter Heather (Keith) Plybon of Branson, MO; brother, Allen (Alison) Bridges of Portage; sister-in-law Kim Bridges; several grandchildren, nieces and nephews whom she loved so very much; and many dear friends she considered as family.

Ellen was preceded in death by her brother Charles Randolph Matthew Bridges; and her grandparents, Jim and Lucille Holsapple and Maurice and Trula Bridges, Sr.

A family-only visitation will be from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm Thursday June 10, 2021 at Rees funeral Home, Olson Chapel 5341 Central Avenue Portage, Indiana 46368.  Burial and graveside services will follow in McCool Cemetery, Portage, Indiana.

A public celebration of life event in Ellen's honor is being planned and will be announced in the near future.