Evelyn Lucille Wallis

Evelyn Lucille ( “Lou”) Wallis, 85, of Gulf Breeze, FL, formerly of St. Joseph, passed away on Friday, January 19, 2007, at BayBreeze Nursing & Retirement Center in Gulf Breeze, FL. As much as we shall miss her, she often longed to rejoin her beloved husband of nearly sixty years, Don, who passed away in November of 2004. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 A.M., on Wednesday, January 24, 2007, at Kerley-Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph with Rev. Guy Kiser officiating. Burial will follow in Hickory Bluff Cemetery in Stevensville. Friends may visit with the family from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M., on Tuesday, January 23, 2007, at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice or the Blossomland Amateur Radio Association, in which her son Gary has been very active supporting community events. Friends may send the family a condolence message at www.starks-menchinger.com. Lou was born on October 24, 1921, in Hollywood, MO, to James Stanley and Florence (Ross) Hale. She graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1939. She was one of the “Hale sisters,” as they were often referred to growing up in Benton Harbor – Leva, Louise, Lou, and Margie. During her high school years she became well-known locally for her impersonation of “Lulu Belle,” singing, playing the guitar, and entertaining local audiences. Music was a comfort and enjoyment to her throughout her life. She married Donald Wallis on December 24, 1945 in Benton Harbor, after his return from active service in World War II. And, as members of “the Greatest Generation,” they then raised a family. To their surprise and delight, they were able to retire as snowbirds to Winter Haven, Florida, where they spent nearly twenty winters with wonderful friends and weather. Preceding her in death were her parents, her sisters and brother Paul, husband Donald (November 2004) and grandson Ryan Wallis (January 2006). Lou is survived by her children, Rhonda Wallis of Gulf Breeze, FL and Gary Wallis, daughter-in-law Cindy of St. Joseph; granddaughter, Kimberly Wallis of St. Joseph; and granddaughter-in-law, Cassandra Wallis of Stevensville. Residing locally are also nephew Tom (Shirley) Holt and brother-in-law Robert (Sheran) Wallis. Many other nieces and nephews, including Tim and Dan Holt and their offspring scattered around the country are also part of the “Hale” legacy.