Essie Mae Ellis

MIDDLEBURY - Essie Ellis, 93, of Middlebury passed away May 9, 2017 at Greenleaf Health Campus, Elkhart.  She was born October 8, 1923 in Bowling Green KY to the late Ernest and Alma Dillard.  She married Joseph B Ellis in January 1940.

She is survived by one daughter Jolinda (Richard) Zook of Middlebury; grandchildren Dilynn (Greg) Puckett of Middlebury , Jill (Brian) Booth of Sarasota FL, and Rob (Amy) Zook of Middlebury; great grandchildren Trevor, Casey, Amber, Andrea, Hanna and Abby and four great great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her 5 siblings, 4 of whom lived to be over 90 years of age. Essie was a member of Willowdale Church of Christ since 1955.

Essie worked for The Elkhart Police Department as a secretary and also for The Elkhart Truth.  She worked 14 years as a jail officer for the Elkhart County Sheriffs Department, retiring January 31, 1986.  In 1984 Essie was honored as the Correctional Officer of the year at the Elkhart County Security Center.

Her family is especially grateful for the staff at Greenleaf health Campus, Roxie from Always Care, and Hospice care for providing loving care for Essie.

The family will receive friends from 10-noon Monday May 15th at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin Street, Elkhart.  Funeral service will be held following visitation at noon on Monday, May 15th at Billings Funeral Home.  Burial will be at Grace Lawn Cemetery, Middlebury.  Online condolences can be made at www.billingsfuneralhome.com.

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