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 40 years. Bill enjoys bowling, spending time with his family and his 3 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

Bryan M. Hatton

Maintenance

Bryan Hatton does the maintenance and care of the funeral home and has been here since 2012. He is married to Tara Hatton and together they have 1 daughter, 2 dogs and a cat. In his spare time he enjoys camping, kayaking, fishing, video games and comic books. He also participates in a monthly euchre club and is a member of the NRA. Much of his free time is spent with the family.

"Be a flamingo in a flock of pigeons"

~Bryan's Inspiration

Ashley E. Zimmerman

Ashley Zimmerman has been with Elkhart Cremation Services for 10 years. Born and raised in Elkhart, IN, she graduated from Elkhart Central High School in 2002, and continued her education in college earning a bachelor of arts degree in Broadcasting & Journalism from Butler University in 2006. She attends Granger Community Church-Elkhart Campus where she proudly volunteers her free time serving coffee and smiles at GCC's coffee shop. She is a Licensed Pre-Arrangement Counselor, earning her certification in 2014. Ashley enjoys playing volleyball, gardening, volunteering at her church and spending time with her young daughter and husband.

John Ramsey

Funeral Home Assistant

Bill Vellekoop

Bill Vellekoop assists with the maintenance and care of the funeral home and its grounds. He is of Christian reformed faith and has 2 sons and 10 grandchildren. In his spare time he enjoys camping, fishing, golfing, and bowling.