Evelyn A. (Moss) Zilligen, age 97, of Greenfield, passed away Saturday, April 30, 2011 at Hancock Regional Hospital. She was born April 21, 1914 in Rush County, Ind. to Rome Moss and Ethel Lucas.
Evelyn was an accomplished musician, playing both organ and piano for many decades at South Street Methodist Church (now Trinity United Methodist Church) and at Pasco’s Mortuary in Greenfield. A lifelong member of the American Music Teachers Association, she is probably best remembered for teaching piano and organ to several generations of students from the 1930”s through the 1980”s in Hancock County and the surrounding areas. In addition, Evelyn worked for the Indianapolis Red Cross and later for Riddick Music Company, traveling and teaching throughout central Indiana making good friends wherever she went.
A loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, Evelyn, (Mamaw) shared her love of antiquing, writing, reading nature, decorating, good food, card games and her beloved cabin on Lake Gage in Northern Indiana with all. She faithfully maintained numerous long distance correspondences with family, friends, and former students. Evelyn was happiest keeping busy, helping others, and sharing her special music-“Life seems to go without effort when I am filed with music.” George Elliot.
Survivors include; son, Dr. Jesse J. Thomas, Murrieta, Calif.; daughters, Marjorie (Don Smith), New Palestine, Ind., Susan (Walter) Vandenbark, Wilkinson,Ind., thirteen grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband’s ; Jesse B. Thomas and Fred Keppler, one grandson, eleven month old Paul Thomas.
A private family service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday May, 4, 2011 at Condo and Son Funeral Home in Wilkinson, Ind. with Michael Manning officiating. Burial will follow at Park Cemetery in Greenfield, In.
Memorial contributions can be made to the American Heart Association 3816 Paysphere Circle Chicago, IL.60674. Online condolences and be made at www.condoand son.com
