Rachel Tanur Ellman

With the heaviest of hearts, we mourn the passing of our beloved Rachel Tanur Ellman. Rach was born on February 16, 1992 in Columbus, OH and passed away in Columbus on October 5, 2026.

Rachel grew up surrounded by family and friends, and, in her own words, was a product of the Columbus Jewish community. She was a graduate of Columbus Academy, Wesleyan University (CT), and NYU School of Law. All but a few months of her professional life were spent in service to the public, first as an investigator of police misconduct in New York City, then as a public defense attorney in Washington state representing poor and vulnerable people in criminal court.

Rachel is survived by her parents Susan Tanur Ellman and Stephen Ellman, siblings Elizabeth Tanur Ellman and Daniel Tanur Ellman, aunts and uncles Laurie (Larry) Scoblionko Katz, Mark (Alla) Ellman, Karen Ellman Shaine, Bruce (Rabbi Michelle Missaghieh) Ellman, Judy (Michael) Ellman Schottenstein, Steven Tanur, and by Sharon and Danny Greenfield; cousins Seth (Reena), Ari (Lyle Steinhaus), Ben (Ashley) and Jonny Scoblinko, Gabriel and Jonah Schottenstein, Isabel Shaine, Jael, Sivan, and Ezri Ellman, Samuel Tanur, and by Dayna (Noel) Greenfield and Michael (Samantha) Greenfield. Predeceased by her grandparents Bettie Olender Polak, Joel Tanur, Edwin Ellman, and Geraldine Polster Ellman, and her uncle Ronald Tanur.

Rachel internalized her Hebrew name, Reeva Tzadika, and endeavored to live righteously. It was her request that donations in her memory be made to the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund, the many campaigns on GazaFunds.com, or to an organization in your local community that serves the vulnerable, marginalized, or those otherwise in need, such as Columbus Food Rescue (https://www.impactca.org/columbus-food-rescue).

A private funeral was held on October 7, 2026.

Shiva will be observed at The Waterford Tower on Thursday, Sunday, and Monday from 5:00 – 7:00 pm, with services at 5:30 pm.