Ellen's Obituary
Ellen Christine Cohagan, 78, of Monticello, passed away peacefully at 12:10 p.m. on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at White Oak Health Campus in Monticello, Indiana.
Born on March 23, 1948, in Lafayette, Indiana, Ellen was the beloved daughter of the late Dave and Eleanor (Poppe) Combs. She graduated from Lincoln High School in Monticello with the class of 1966.
In 1967, Ellen married James “Snuffy” Cohagan, Sr. He preceded her in death on April 20, 1992. Later in life, she shared many happy years with her beloved companion, Robert “Brownie” Brown, who passed away on September 9, 2021.
Ellen was a proud member of the American Legion in Monticello and Daughters of the American Legion. She was a hardworking woman who spent her career at Bryan’s manufacturing and American Legion before retiring from True Flight in Monticello.
Ellen enjoyed the simple pleasures in life and was happiest when spending time with family and friends. She loved fishing, playing cards, attending BINGO games, and trying her luck at the casino.
Ellen is survived by two sons, James “JR” Cohagan, Jr. (wife, Rebecca) of Monon and Wade Cohagan of Monticello; step daughter, Marcia Tolley (husband, Brian) of Frankfort and step son Greg Brown (wife, Jo Ellen) of Florida; sister, Lynne Hainje (husband, Bruce) of Lafayette; brother, Tony Combs (wife, Patty) of Kentland and grandchildren, Jarrett Cohagan, Jessica Ireland (husband, Jeff) and Josh Miller, Ellie Cohagan, Jonah Brown (wife, Jammie), Matthew Brown (wife, Jordan), Andrew Brown (wife, Alex), Emma Tolley, Rosetta Tolley, Melody Smith (husband, Benjamin) and Joy Brown.
Along with her parents, husband, Snuffy and companion, Brownie, she is preceded in death by her two brothers, Dave and Danny Combs and step son, Rob Brown.
Visitation will be on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Roscka Roth & Clapper Funeral Home, Monticello, from 2:00 p.m. until time of funeral service celebrating Ellen’s life at 4:00 p.m.
Memorials may be made to the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary.
