Evelyn E. Tabbert, 82, of Niles, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, went home to our Lord Friday, March 5, 2010 at West Woods of Niles.

She was born April 18, 1927 in Three Rivers, Mich. to the late Julius and Beatrice (Bliss) Zielke. At age 2, Evelyn’s mother passed away and Fern (Thursby) Zielke came into Evelyn’s life at age 3 as her mother.

She was raised in Centreville, Mich., where she graduated from high school. She met her husband, George F. Tabbert, in 1942 and they married July 14, 1945 in Centreville. They would have celebrated 65 years of marriage this year.

She worked for Continental Can Col. in Three Rivers for 10 years, and retired from Contech Diecast Corp. in 1992 after 10 years of service.

Evelyn dearly loved her husband and family and spending time with all of them. She was a wonderful cook and enjoyed sewing, crocheting, playing bingo, playing games, going to auctions and taking wonderful trips with her husband. She was a member of the William E. Lozier VFW Post 10704 Ladies Auxiliary.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Floyd Zielke and Richard Zielke; sister, Anita Birkhold; and a grandson, Justin Tabbert.

She is survived by her loving husband, George F. Tabbert Sr.; daughter, Kathleen (Mike) Van Lue of New Carlisle, Ind.; sons, George F. (Edna) Tabbert Jr. of Dowagiac, Tim (Terrie) Tabbert of Cassopolis and Terry (Tammy) Tabbert of Niles; grandchildren, Erin Van Lue, Kara (Trent) Mamazza, Tammy (Dale) Russell, George F. (Quinn) Tabbert III, Lindsay (Joe) Quigno, Lisa Tabbert, Marcie Tabbert, Terry Tabbert Jr. Brooke Tabbert, Melissa Tabbert, Tyler Tabbert, Jeremy Weber, Jason (Peggy) Weber and Jacqueline (Stanley) McCuddy; 27 great-grandchildren; and sisters, Wanda Parlin of Sturgis, Mich., Romaine (Richard) Carpenter of Lynchburg, Va., Deanna (Donald) Muffley of Hagerstown, Md. and Judy (Ernie) Van Orman of Schoolcraft, Mich.

She will be dearly missed by her family and friends.

A funeral service will be held Tuesday, March 9, 2010 at 11 a.m. at Connelly Funeral Home, Cassopolis with the Rev. Larry Settle, retired pastor of Pleasant View Church of Christ, Cassopolis officiating.

The family will receive friends Monday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Cremation will follow the service.

Memorials can be made to Hospice at Home or William E. Lozier VFW Post 10704 Ladies Auxiliary.

Online condolences can be sent to connellyfuneral home@verizon.net.