REBECCA ANN ELIAS

May 7, 1945 – April 23, 2024

GOSHEN- Rebecca Ann Elias, 78, of Goshen and formerly of Elkhart, passed away Tuesday April 23, 2024, at Greencroft Healthcare surrounded by her loving daughters.  Rebecca was born May 7, 1945, in Elkhart, Indiana to Russel & Mildred (Cowgill) Rinker.

     Surviving are her 3 daughters, Mercy M. Elias, Jenna R. (Michael) Handow, Mildred J. Gowdy all of Elkhart; her granddaughter, Em Claire Gowdy of Elkhart; 1 sister, Ethel (Larry) Milanese of Goshen and her sister-in-law, Nancy L. Rinker of Elkhart.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, John C. Rinker and her son-in-law, Jeffrey Gowdy.

     Rebecca received a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 1991 from Bethel College and was an avid book reader. Rebecca was a long-time member of Trinity Lutheran Church where she was a Sunday school teacher, a certified Christian Counselor, and the director of Stephens Ministry.  She worked at the Center for Community Justice as a case worker, then later served as board president.  She also worked for Youth Services Bureau.

     Visitation for family and friends will be from 2-5 p.m. Sunday, April 28, 2024, at Walley-Mills-Zimmerman Funeral Home.  A celebration of her life service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, April 29, 2024, with 1 hour of visitation prior to the start of the service at the funeral home.  Pastor Spencer Mielke from Trinity Lutheran Church will render the service.

The burial will be private at Carlton Cemetery, at a later date.

     Memorial contributions may be given to Trinity Lutheran Church or to Heartland Hospice.