Our Staff
Our staff is comprised of dedicated and licensed professionals with the experience to answer all your questions regarding our services. Please feel free to contact any of our staff members at any time.
Ashley Zimmerman
Office Manager
Ashley Zimmerman has been with Elkhart Cremation Services since May of 2011. 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 is a Licensed Pre-Arrangement Counselor, earning her certification in 2014. Ashley is a member of Granger Community Church-Elkhart campus. She volunteers her free time working alongside others in the coffee shop at Granger Community Church-Elkhart Campus, as well as participates in the Michiana4 Give-Back Events held annually at the church. She enjoys playing volleyball, gardening, volunteering, and spending time with her young daughter and fiancé.
Telephone: 1-574-389-8828
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
Bryan 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
Bill Vellekoop
Maintenance
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.
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