Our Staff

Tara Cooper-Hatton

Licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer

Has been with the funeral home for several years and is a licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer and is also a Licensed Pre-Arrangement Counselor. Married to Bryan Hatton they have 1 daughter and two beagles. 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 Lea

Telephone: 1-574-389-8828

Rita Dawson

Office Assistant

Rita Dawson has been with the company since May of 2019. She was born and raised in Michigan and currently resides in Elkhart.

She enjoys helping families with any questions they have regarding cremation arrangements.

Telephone: 1-574-389-8828

Bill Zimmerman

Owner and Funeral Director

Bill Zimmerman, an Elkhart native is the current owner of Elkhart Cremation Services 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.

Telephone: 1-574-389-8828

Email: 

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. 

Telephone: 1-574-389-8828