Evelyn "Joan" Ellis , age 72 of Noblesville and formerly of Elwood, passed away on Thursday, January 12, 2023 at Ascension-St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis following a sudden illness.  She was born December 19, 1950 in Elwood, the daughter of Francis Edwin and Mary Louise (Baker) Gerard.  Joan 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.

Joan enjoyed playing games, cards, and Yahtzee.  She loved the color red and especially liked animals.  Her cat, "Sunshine" was very special to her.  In recent years, Joan 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.

Joan's family includes 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; a step-grandson, Hunter Smith; many friends at Heritage Woods in Noblesville; and several nieces and nephews.  Joan was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Marvin Ellis; 4 siblings, Karen Gerard, Donna Rutledge, Vicky Phelps, and Patty Riley; and a step-grandson, Josh Payne.

Joan's wishes were to be cremated like her husband.  No formal services will 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 www.copherfeslermay.com.