Ellen was born to William and Elizabeth Walter Turney on 25 July 1924 in Oakland. For some reason, perhaps because as an adult she was always taking photographs, she was often called “Ham.” She graduated from Oakland High School and became employed by the Happy People Store in downtown Oakland as a sales clerk. She remained in this employment for many years. The store changed its name to the Half Price Store and finally went out of business. Ellen worked for Bausch and Lomb in later years.

Like many of the family, she enjoyed traveling and learned to drive so she could visit places near and far from Oakland. It seemed nothing to her to drive 100s of miles to enjoy family times and for her work with the Pythian Sisters of which she was a lifelong member through St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Garrett Temple 17. After serving locally as secretary, press correspondent, and Grand Chrief, she was elected District 1 Deputy about 1960. In 1973, Ellen was a Grand Manager1 and by 10 March 1977, she was Grand Chief, Maryland, Pythian Sisters.

Ellen only stood about 4'10”, likely caused by early thyroid disease which required the removal of the goiter. Her nieces and nephews enjoyed comparing their heights to her and it was cause for celebration when they surpassed her. She delighted in spoiling her nieces and nephews, purchasing special, favorite items for their visits in Oakland (e. g. Lucky Charms cereal for Biff Brown), taking them on special outings, and many other signs of affection. She was so dear to Bill, Beth, and Biff Brown, children of her sister, Betty, that they called her Auntie Ellie in later years.

Additionally, Ellen enjoyed exploring nature especially at Herrington Manor and Swallow Falls parks in Garrett County.

On 29 November 1999, Ellen passed away peacefully in her bed with a heart attack. She had just returned from taking out the trash and lied down, folded her hands across her chest, and as she would have said, “went to the Lord to be with my mother and father.”