Submitted by: Dan Rich

Ellen L. Craven

Sept. 10, 1922 - May 2, 2008

South Bend Tribune 5/4/2008
MISHAWAKA - Ellen L. Craven, 85, of Mishawaka, passed away on Friday, May 2, 2008, in the Tender Loving Care assisted living facility in South Bend. Ellen was born on September 10, 1922, in LaFontaine, IN, to the late Russell and Mary (Hunt) Sailors. Surviving Ellen are three brothers, Robert Sailors of Walkerton, IN, Alan "Bud" (Charlotte) Sailors of LaFontaine, IN, and James Sailors of Wilkinson, IN. Ellen was also a loving and caring aunt to many nieces and nephews, William Sailors, Janet Rankin, Michael (Karen) Sailors, all of South Bend, IN, Mary (Dave) Johnson of Walkerton, IN, Diana (Clancy) McNeely of LaFontaine, IN, Cathy (Fred) Taylor of Tennessee, Neva Boyd of Marion, IN, Terri (James) Vogel of Indianapolis, IN, and Gregg (Dixie) Adamson of Pittsboro, IN.

Ellen shared her life of over 35 years with devotion and commitment to her companion, James Solliday. James passed away in March 1997. Her late companion's son, Steve (Colleen) Solliday, their children and one great-grandchild also survive Ellen, along with her in-laws, Sue (Larry) Coddens of South Bend, Wanda (Lamar) Wallin of Elkhart, Herb "Pork" (Kay) Solliday of Osceola and Edward "Pal" (Helen) Solliday of Mishawaka. Ellen retired from Bendix Corporation as a secretary after 37 years of service. She was a member of the UAW Local #9 Union, National Democratic Club, AARP and Humane Society, and was a generous supporter of many organized charities.

The family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, May 5, 2008, in the Bubb Funeral Chapel, 3910 N. Main St., Mishawaka, IN. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 6th, in the funeral chapel, with Rev. Ervin Mize officiating. Burial is to follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in the Masonic Garden section in Osceola, IN.