Evelyn “Joan” Ellis

December 19, 1950-January 12, 2023

Evelyn “Joan” Ellis, 72, of Noblesville, formerly of Elwood, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023 at Ascension-St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis following a sudden illness.

She was born on Dec. 19, 1950 in Elwood, the daughter of Francis Edwin and Mary Louise (Baker) Gerard.

Mrs. Ellis attended Elwood schools and later became a nursing aid working at Dickey Nursing Home and later a facility in Arkansas. She married Marvin Dean Ellis on May 17, 1973 and they shared over 33 years of marriage together before his passing in 2007.

She enjoyed playing games, cards and Yahtzee. She loved the color red and especially liked animals. Mrs. Ellis’ cat, “Sunshine” was very special to her. In recent years, she liked watching the Animal Planet on television at her home in Heritage Woods in Noblesville. She was determined to remain very independent until the end of her life and make all her own decisions.

Survivors include her 2 children Marvin Edwin “Eddie” (Patty Anne) Ellis of Noblesville and Allishia Elaine (Rick) Smith of Arkadelphia, Arkansas; 4 siblings Diana (Robert) Hildenbrand of Booneville, Francis “Frank” Gerard of Elwood, David (Barb) Gerard of Richland and Rick (Angie) Gerard of Elwood; step-grandson Hunter Smith; many friends at Heritage Woods in Noblesville; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Marvin Ellis; 4 siblings Karen Gerard, Donna Rutledge, Vicky Phelps and Patty Riley; and step-grandson Josh Payne.

Mrs. Ellis’ wishes were to be cremated like her husband. No formal services are scheduled to be held at this time. Burial will take place at a later date in Shiloh Cemetery in Arkansas. Arrangements have been entrusted to Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood.

Online condolences and memories may be shared at copherfeslermay.com