Eva Elizabeth Cloud, 88, of Elkhart, passed away on Friday, September 11, 2026, at Elkhart General Hospital.

Eva was born on October 22, 1937, in Takoma Park, Maryland, to the late Glen “Dale” Perkins and Linnaea Elizabeth (Erickson) Perkins. She spent her early years, along with her three sisters, in Vienna, Virginia, before her family moved to Battle Creek, Michigan, at the start of her eighth-grade year. Eva lived most of her adult life in Battle Creek before moving to Elkhart, Indiana, approximately 16 years ago.

Eva was preceded in death by her husbands, William “Bill” D. Minear, who passed away on November 3, 2012, and Bruce L. Cloud, who passed away on January 19, 1999, as well as her sisters, Ruth Ann Boyd, Karen Mitchell, and Gail Lawrence, who also preceded her in death.

Eva is survived by her son, Jack (Cyndi) Minear of Battle Creek, Michigan; her daughter, Tami (José) Martinez of Berrien Springs, Michigan; her grandchildren, Daniel, Jacob, and Caleb Minear, and Sebastian, Leo, Andreas, and Christian Martinez; and her life partner, Fred Wacholz of Elkhart.

After graduating from Battle Creek Academy in 1956, Eva pursued her interest in the medical profession by briefly attending Emmanuel Missionary College in Berrien Springs. She put her training to use in a variety of roles, beginning with laboratory work at Lakeview General Hospital. Eva also worked as an obstetrics assistant to Dr. Fred J. Melges and later as a dental hygiene assistant for Dwayne Wacker, DDS, and Robin Steely, DDS. She also enjoyed providing administrative support in the detective unit of the Battle Creek Police Department.

Eva was renowned for her unwavering faith and trust in the Lord throughout her life, values instilled in her by her parents. She had a profound sense of assurance in her salvation. Eva was active in the Adventist Pathfinder Club and the Seventh-day Adventist Tabernacle community in Battle Creek. After moving to Elkhart, she continued to volunteer with the Seventh-day Adventist Church in her community, including participating in a mission trip to Chile.

Family was of paramount importance to Eva, and family gatherings were always special occasions. In her spare time, she researched her family's genealogy and had an incredible memory for family, friends, and relationships. Eva was an excellent baker, especially known for her pies and cookies, and her Christmas fruitcake was a particular favorite.

Eva enjoyed traveling in an RV and camping throughout the United States. She loved thrifting and decorating her home with remarkable finds, possessing an uncanny ability to discover treasures in unexpected places. She also collected spoons from the places she visited. Eva was an avid gardener who also enjoyed baking.

Eva loved music of many styles and was inspired by listening to her mother, Linnaea, play Chopin on the piano. Eva learned to play the piano as well and enjoyed singing her favorite songs, especially with her sisters. She had a keen interest in birds, was a devoted dog lover, and even tamed a chipmunk at one point. Perhaps not as widely known, Eva was acquainted with many prominent and influential people across a variety of fields.

A memorial service for Eva will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, September 28, 2026, at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, IN 46514, with Pastor Jeremy Sarber officiating.

Friends and family may visit with the family from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Monday, September 28, 2026, at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Elkhart Seventh Day Adventist Church – IT Technology Fund, 3601 E Bristol St, Elkhart, IN 46514.

Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, IN 46514, is assisting the family.

To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory of Eva, please visit the funeral home's flower store at www.billingsfuneralhome.com.