Ellen Sue Staples, 61 of Columbus, MS passed away Tuesday, January 27, 2015 at North Mississippi Medical Center, Tupelo, MS. Visitation will be January 31, 2015 from 11:00 AM- 1:00 PM at Lowndes Funeral Home, Columbus, MS. Mrs. Staples was born July 26, 1953 to the late Otto and Pearl Rausch in Pine Island, MN. She was retired as Master Sergeant from the United States Air Force in 1993 after 22 years of service. Mrs. Staples received numerous medals, awards and served in Operation Desert Shield/Storm. After the military, she worked as a civilian at Columbus Air Force Base, Columbus, MS. Mrs. Staples loved spending time with her grandchildren. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Staples was preceded in death by her husband - Rodney Earl Staples. Mrs. Staples is survived by her sons - Donovan (Stephanie) Staples, Steens, MS and Nicholas (Nicole) Staples, Vernon, AL and 12 grandchildren - Lindsey Staples, Chelsea Staples, Medow Staples, Destiny Staples, Casey Staples, Jackson Staples, Jacob Staples, Jesse Staples, Jayce Staples, Kayla Johnson, K.C. Johnson and Kristin Richardson. Memorials may be made to American Heart Association, P.O. Box 16808, Jackson, MS 39236.