Erienne Ella Evens

Erienne Ella Evens ,21, beloved daughter, niece and friend went to be with Jesus after a complex illness, on Feb 1st, 2023 in Indianapolis.

She was born in Guatemala City on October 29, 2001 and was adopted by her parents, William S. and Brigitte (Linden) Evens in April 2002.  She lived in Granger, IN. with her parents.  Erienne lost her wonderful father on Dec 30, 2021.  She leaves behind her Aunt Terrie Nichols of NY, Uncle Earl Evens of AL, and Aunt Marielle Mathis of NC, cousins Julia, Kristin, and Ted Cirone.  Great Uncle and Aunt, Udo and Renate Linden of Germany, Great Aunt Barbara Stevanovich of IL and Great Aunt Alice Evens of OK., Grandparents Jim and Vernice Pyles of Elkhart, and Godparents Hans and Trudy Disch of Elkhart.

Also some very special “Aunts” Carolyn Carton, Patricia Wallisch, Stephanie Scheimann, Linda (and Uncle Tom) Shelby and Erika Clark.  “Brothers” Max Schroth, Alec Scheimann, Clark and Jojo Stutsman, and Patrick and Michael Petersen.  Friends Sonia Morales, Grace Dodd, Abby McKibbin, Hannah Telloyan, Caro King, and others. 

Proceeded in death by Claus and Ute Linden (maternal grandparents) and Earl and Esther Evens (paternal grandparents)

She attended Trinity Lutheran School, Elkhart Christian Academy and IUSB where she was studying for a degree in marine biology.  She attended Christ the King Lutheran, First Presbyterian of Elkhart, and Trinity Lutheran of Elkhart.

Erienne was learning German, the first language of her mother and maternal grandparents.  She was musically gifted and played piano, was in church hand bell choir, vocal choir, school choir and percussion in the band.  She traveled with her parents to Canada, Germany, London, and Florida.  Her favorite places were Charleston, Hilton Head SC, and Hawaii.  She loved playing games with her mom and dad, beat them frequently. Erienne loved being at the beach and ocean.

She was sweet, funny, smart, caring, beautiful, witty, vibrant, and genuine.  She connected with people easily.  She was loved, adored, and cherished by all who knew her, especially her parents who were blessed to have her as their daughter.  One family friend, Jake Free described her as “soft spoken with an ‘iron hard faith.’”  She loved God and He is hugging her right now.  She also loved to hug and snuggle.

Thanks to all who knew her and blessed her with their love and care, including the medical team and staff at St. Joe Hospital Mishawaka, and IU Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, where Dr. Tony Ragusa and Dr. Hannah Jones, along with many others left no stone unturned in their search for answers.  Special thanks to Dr. Nathaniel Stewart for his care and astuteness.

Her light will be missed in our lives but will shine in our hearts forever.  As her mother often said, “She was the best present, ever!”

A visitation will be held on February 10, 2023 at Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home at 403 West Franklin St. in Elkhart from 4-6 pm. A service for Erienne will be held the next day at 2pm at the First Presbyterian Church in Elkhart on Beardsley Ave. with visitation 1 hour prior to the service at 2pm. A small reception will be held afterward from 3-4 pm at the church.

Donations can be made to Samaritan’s Purse P.O. Box 3000 Boone, NC 28607 (she loved the Operation Christmas program there)

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