Ellen Bond

Ellen Bond
Ellen Bond passed away December 13, 2008 following a courageous battle with bone cancer.

Ellen was born Helen Christ on February 24, 1925 in Jamestown, NY, the only child of Sprio and Katina Christ of Albania, who preceded her in death. Following her graduation from West High School in 1942, and after attending the University of Akron, Ellen's strong math skills lead to her recruitment by Goodyear Aerospace where she joined the war effort and drafted the original oiling diagrams for the U.S. Navy's Corsair fighter planes produced right here in Akron. When MN II ended, Ellen worked as a draftsman for Babcock & Wilcox.

In 1952 Ellen married navy veteran Jess F. Bond of Akron who soon completed his medical training at Jefferson College of Philadelphia, Pa. She and Dr. Bond had five children and quickly outgrew their home on Roslyn Avenue. In 1960, the Bonds moved into their home on Brookshire Road where they enjoyed many wonderful neighbors and friends, and sometimes drove much of the neighborhood crazy. She still lived there until her passing.

One of Ellen's many joys was cooking for her husband and their friends as they crowded the upstairs family room watching their beloved Cincinnati Bengals while "the kids" her children and many of their friends would watch the football games in the basement, playing pool and waiting for her famous call from the top of the stairs: "Kurt! Come get the food." or "Vinny, the wings are ready!" The upstairs family room has long been silent on football Sundays, but the kids, all now in their 50s, have continued the tradition downstairs. It just wouldn't be Super Bowl Sunday without Ellen's cooking.

Ellen was extremely proud of all of her children, who inherited her spirit and Doc Bond's fire and wit. To say the Bond family can engage in strong debate with one another is an understatement. Many times Ellen acted as first assistant to Dr. Bond as he would suture the kids and their friends back together right there on the kitchen island. The less severely injured would have to wait until halftime.

Ellen loved travelling with her girlfriends collectively known around the world as "The Golden Girls". She visited many countries and loved her trips to New York City where she especially enjoyed dining at the Windows To The World restaurant atop the World Trade Center. Ellen will be missed terribly by everyone who knew and loved her.

Ellen is survived by her five children, Dr. Jess G. Bond Betty of Green, Lauren McClenathen of Commerce Township, Mich., Daryl Lewis Mike of Portage Lakes, Vincent and Kurt of the residence in Akron. She is also survived by the grandchildren, who dearly loved their "NaNa". They are Kyle McClenathen Jamie of Mooresville, N.C., Kristen McClenathen of Jupiter, Fla., Derek D. McClenathen, II of Atlanta, Ga., Jesse Bond of Providence, RI., Chad Lewis of Akron, Alison Lewis of Conway, S.C., and Taylor Bond Jenny of Medina; and one great- granddaughter, Madison Bond of Medina.

Funeral arrangements are private at the family's request. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the hospice center at Summa Health System, Akron City Hospital Campus.