Margaret Evaline (Evelyn) Kelly passed away peacefully in the comfort of her daughter’s home in Walkerton, IN on August 20, 2026, following an illness. She was 97 years young and a 1947 graduate of Wendell L. Willkie High School. Born in Elwood, Indiana on December 17, 1928, she was the beloved daughter of the late Lawrence and Mary Margaret (Short) Bennett, and a devoted sister to Emma (Hal) Bennett Waymire and Rosalee Bennett Poulson. She was preceded in death by her husband, Michael J. Kelly, her brother-in-law, Scott J. Poulson, and her son-in-law, Edward J. Hallyburton.

Evelyn devoted 42 years of service to Indiana Bell and AT&T, where she was known for her dedication to her job. She served as a Gray Lady at Elwood Mercy Hospital for more than a decade, offering comfort and kindness to countless patients and families.

Above all else, Evelyn’s greatest joy was her family. Her grandchildren held a special place in her heart, and she treasured every opportunity to spend time with them. She was a true foodie at heart, and her eyes would light up when Emma brought her legendary chicken and noodles or Rosalee made her special birthday rum cake.

She was a beloved mother to Pam (Ed) Walz and Peggy Hallyburton; proud grandmother to Elizabeth Ann Stanley and Sara Jane Hallyburton; a cherished great-grandmother to Jewel, Jon, and Catherine; and a loving aunt to 12 nieces and nephews.

She will be remembered as a kind and generous person who touched hearts of those blessed to know her. She will be deeply missed by those who loved her.

A funeral service celebrating Evelyn’s life will be held at 1pm on Thursday, August 27, 2026 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home at 415 South Anderson Street in Elwood, IN, with Father Adam Mauman of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Elwood officiating. Visitation will be held for family and friends from 12 to 1 prior to the service on Thursday, August 27, 2026 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood. Burial will follow the service at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Elwood. Special thanks for extended to the Paradigm Hospice nurses, and caregivers Dale, Kathleen and Julie for the comfort, dignity and loving care they provided. Contributions in memory of Evelyn’s life may be made to Tunnel to Towers through the funeral home. Online condolences and memories may be shared with the family at copherfeslermay.com.