Our Staff

William Zimmerman

Owner, Funeral Director

Bill Zimmerman, an Elkhart native is the current owner of Walley-Mills-Zimmerman Funeral Home and is proud to be a U.S. Army Veteran. He is married to Annie Zimmerman and has been in the funeral industry for over 45 years. Bill enjoys bowling, spending time with his family and his 5 dogs. He is a member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church, serves as a chairman of the trustee’s, is a liturgist and he also helps run the sound system there. Bill is also on the Elkhart Historic and Cultural Preservation Commission, a member and trustee of the Elks Lodge # 425 and the Elcona County Club. Serving his local community is an honor.

Tara Cooper-Hatton

Licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer and Pre-arrangement Counselor

Has been with the funeral home since 2010 and is a licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer and is also a Licensed Pre-Arrangement Counselor. Married to Bryan Hatton they have 1 daughter, two dogs and a cat. She spends her free time with her family, camping, kayaking, and volunteering. Tara enjoys volunteering opportunities, helping in her community, and is a member of Elkhart Evening Optimist Club.

“ I couldn’t imagine doing anything else, helping others in their time of need is what life is truly about”.

~Tara

Barbara Brown

Office Manager

Barbara Brown started at the funeral home in February 2018.  She enjoys spending time with her fiancé, children and grandchildren.  Also having cookouts, going to the casino, and going out to eat.  She attends Queen of Peace Catholic Church and Cornerstone Vineyard Church on weekends.  She enjoys her job and helping families in need however she can.  

John Ramsey

Funeral Home Assistant

Jessica Ellsworth-Foster

Jessica has been with the company since March of 2020. She was born and raised in Elkhart, IN and is currently a Mortuary Science student. She is married to Derrick Foster and they have 3 sons. She spends her free time traveling with her family and friends and enjoys a multitude of hobbies. She has 2 cats and 2 dogs that she often takes with her on their family adventures. Being a tender voice for families during their time of grief is what she has always wanted to do, and she receives great satisfaction being able to do so at the company.