IN LOVING MEMORY OF
Jill Ann
(Krichbaum) Tevlin
November 22, 1964 – April 4, 2025
Jill Ann Tevlin, age 60, of Elkhart, Indiana, passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, April 4, 2025, at 1:15 p.m., after facing cancer with immeasurable courage and grace. She was surrounded by the unwavering love of her family in the home she had filled with laughter, warmth, and countless cherished memories.
Born in Mishawaka, Indiana, on November 22, 1964, Jill was the daughter of the late Robert Krichbaum and Geralyn N. (La Belle) Krichbaum Broyles, who survives in Goshen, Indiana. She grew up in a bustling and lively household and carried the values of resilience, generosity, and fierce loyalty with her throughout her life.
Jill now rejoins in eternity her beloved husband of 27 years, James W. "Jim" Tevlin, who passed away in 2023. Their love story was one of strength, shared passions, and deep devotion. Together, they built a life filled with adventure, family, and the kind of bond that few are lucky enough to know.
She leaves behind two daughters who were her greatest pride and joy: Corrina L. (Michael) Stamper of Elkhart and Alexis S. Tevlin of Edwardsburg, Michigan. Her spirit and strength live on in them and in her three adored grandchildren: Austyn McCreary, Benji Stamper, and Juniper Seyboldt, who will grow up with stories of their grandmother's fierce love and vibrant personality.
Jill is also survived by her siblings, each of whom shared an unbreakable bond with her: Tim W. Broyles and Scott W. (Jill Robinson) Broyles, both of Goshen; Lynn (Doug) Williams of Elkhart; Brenda (Randy) Miller of Nappanee; and Susan L. (Doug Briney) Simon, also of Elkhart. Her extended family includes many beloved nieces and nephews — Chanelle Broyles, Alyssa (Sean) Sauer, Kelsey and Matthew Williams, Caitlyn and Conner Rhame, Easton and Ranger Sauer — and a wide circle of dear friends, loyal in-laws, lovable "outlaws," and her fellow American Legion Riders and VFW family.
A proud and devoted worker, Jill spent most of her adult life in the manufacturing industry, retiring from Poly Electronics in Elkhart due to health concerns. Her work ethic was unmatched, and even in retirement, she remained industrious and curious — always creating, fixing, and diving into new projects.
Jill's personality was a rare and radiant combination: bold, brassy, deeply loving, and endlessly loyal. She was the type of woman who would give you the shirt off her back — and then tell you exactly what you needed to hear, whether you liked it or not. Her honesty was unfiltered, often humorous, and always from the heart. She never sugar-coated the truth, and in doing so, she built relationships that were rock-solid and rooted in authenticity.
Creative at heart, Jill was always elbows-deep in one craft or another. Whether quilting, latch hooking, or her latest passion, diamond art, her projects were gifts of love — made to bring joy and color into others' lives. Each creation carried a piece of her heart, stitched or pressed into every detail.
One of Jill's greatest joys was riding alongside Jim on their motorcycle, feeling the wind in her hair and the freedom of the open road. They participated in countless charity rides with their fellow American Legion Riders, bonding with a community that shared their patriotism, compassion, and love for the ride. Whether cruising up to the South Haven VFW, exploring Michigan's scenic Lake Michigan shoreline, or just enjoying the journey, those adventures were among her happiest memories.
Jill also found deep spiritual grounding at Zion Lutheran Church in Bristol, where she was a faithful member and a joyful helper with their Vacation Bible School program. Her kindness and energy made a lasting impression on everyone she encountered, from children to lifelong church friends.
A memorial service celebrating Jill's life and legacy will be held at Zion Lutheran Church, 20943 CR 6, Bristol, Indiana, on Friday, April 11, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. Later that day, beginning at 5:00 p.m., a celebration of life will take place at Edwardsburg VFW Post #2284, 69946 M-62, Edwardsburg, where stories will be shared, toasts raised, and her life honored in the way she would have loved — with laughter, camaraderie, and love.
In accordance with her wishes, Jill has been cremated. The family asks that memorial donations in her honor be made to VFW Post #2284, where Jill and Jim shared so many meaningful moments and friendships.
Billings Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Elkhart is assisting the family with arrangements.
Jill Ann Tevlin leaves behind a legacy of fierce love, creative spirit, and unforgettable wit. She was a force of nature, a loyal friend, a proud mother and grandmother, and the heart of her family. Though she has left this world, her light continues to shine through every memory, every handcrafted gift, every ride down a sunlit road, and every life she touched along the way.
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