Evelyn Lea (Gallion) Elam 1923-2006

Evelyn Lea Elam, 82, a homemaker of Richland, Mo., passed away October 7, 2006, at her home near Richland. She was born on November 13, 1923, near Richland, Mo., to Melvin and Eva Williams Gallion. She was united in marriage with Jesse Elam on August 23, 1941. She was one of the founding members of Independence Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jesse; three children: infant son, Christopher; daughter, Gay Finger; and son, Robert Elam; one brother, Bill Gallion; one sister, Joy Sledge; and a son-in-law, Jim May. She is survived by one daughter, Elizabeth Elam of Richland; one daughter-in-law, Pat Elam of Richland; one son-in-law, Frank Finger of Fayetteville, Arkansas; one sister, Pat Laucks, Jefferson City, Mo.; six grandchildren, Mark and Zachary Finger, Sara Ice, Julie Bennett, Jessica and Joe Elam; eight great-grandchildren, Ethan, Hannah, Seth, Gabriel, Josey, Elizabeth, Ian and Hunter. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2006, at Independence Baptist Church near Hazelgreen, with Revs. Ed Hamilton and John Dinwiddie officiating. Burial will be in Oaklawn Cemetery in Richland, Mo. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2006, at Independence Baptist Church. Services are under the direction of Shadel's Colonial Chapel, Lebanon. Memorial donations may be made to St. John's Hospice.