Evelyn Louise Ellison, 75, of Elkhart, went to be with the Lord 5:30 am, Friday, February 15, 2013 in Valley View Nursing Home, Elkhart. Evelyn was born on February 20, 1937 in South Bend, the daughter of the late Jeff Henry and Evelena (Johnson) Whitener.

She is survived by two sons, John H. Whitener of Atlanta, GA and Lester J. (Doris) Ellison of Milwaukee, WI, seven grandchildren, Melinda A. Riley, Lester D. Ellison, Tedrina L. Ellison, and Darrell D. Ellison, Jarvice Joiner, Derrick D. Franks and Cristie M. Franks-Ellison and four great grandchildren. She is also survived by two brothers, William E. Hillard of Ft. Wayne, IN and Roy (Kathy) Davis of Dayton, OH, two sisters, Delores (Luther) Jackson of Savannah, GA and Shirley Mantle of Elkhart and many special cousins. She is preceded in death by a daughter, Valerie, her parents, and two brothers, Lloyd and Lyle.

Evelyn was a member of the VFW Post 9944 ladies auxiliary and the Pride of the South Bend Temple #264. She will be remembered for her love of traveling, cooking, fishing and bingo. She loved garage sales and thrift shops. She was a member of the Coleman Chapel A.M.E.; her baptism was on April 2, 1989.

The family will be holding a Memorial Service/Repass from 5:00-9:00 pm, Wednesday, February 20, 2013 at the Pierre Moran Pavilion, 201 W. Wolf Ave, Elkhart.

Chapel Hill Funeral Home, 10776 McKinley Highway, Osceola is handling arrangements.