ELKHART -- Elsie Jane Miller, 83, of Elkhart, died at 11 p.m. Friday (Aug. 14, 2009) in Elkhart Rehabilitation Center after an extended illness.

She was born April 14, 1926, in Kendallville to Guy and Beula (Barnes) Sutton.

Ms. Miller is survived by one daughter, Nancy L. (Don) Sparr-Whetstone of Elkhart; two granddaughters, Ryann (Justin) Herrli of Elkhart and Christine (Chad) Bailey of Indianapolis; one great-grandson, Owen Walker Herrli of Elkhart; and one sister, Betty McHuron of Sturgis, Mich. An additional great-granddaughter is expected to bless the Bailey family in December. She is also survived by her beloved 30-pound yellow tabby cat, Gizmo.

Elsie held positions at several area businesses including Whitehall Laboratories, First National Bank, Osco Drug and Accra Pac (now KIK), and made friends everywhere she went. She had a great love for animals and after her retirement she offered her services as pet and house sitter for many families in Elkhart. She will best be remembered for her beautifully decorated cakes.

A visitation of friends and family to celebrate Elsie's life will take place at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2009, from 3 to 7 p.m. No formal services have been planned and cremation has taken place.

Memorials may be given to the Humane Society of Elkhart County. Visit www.billingsfuneralhome.com to send online condolences.