HARRELL , Evelyn M., age 72, of Argentine Township, died peacefully March 31 at home with her husband and daughters by her side.

Evelyn M. Zick (Ellie) was born Feb 24, 1950, in Wyandotte Michigan, to the late William and Margaret (Russell) Zick. She was born the fifth of thirteen children. The family moved to the small town of Lennon when she was young. That is where she found her love of art. Some of her fondest memories were of sketching and painting in the barn behind their house and playing with her siblings.

She graduated from Durand Area High School in 1968, and studied at Olivet College and Mott Community College. She married Daniel Harrell October 8, 1971, at St. Mary's Queens of Angels Church in Swartz Creek, Michigan. In 1972, Evelyn was employed as a library assistant and secretary at Mott Community College, which then served UM Flint and MCC. By 1980, she was serving as Executive Secretary to the President of MCC. After receiving state certification as a court recorder, she worked as judicial secretary and court recorder to the late Honorable Thomas M. Donnellan in 68th District Court. In 1991, she went to work in the Probate Court first as judicial secretary / court recorder for the late Honorable Bruce A. Newman, then in the Estate and Mental Division. Evelyn retired in December, 2004 as senior deputy register for Genesee County Probate Court.

Along with Evelyn's busy career, she had a very active family life that included raising two daughters, which left little time for her artwork. Evelyn was a Girl Scout leader for both of her daughters' troops. She was also an active member of St. Michaels Roman Catholic Church in Flint, Michigan for more than 20 years. She was a member of the choir and a substitute teacher for Catholic education.

In retirement, Ellie and Dan spent winters in Bradenton/Sarasota, Florida, in their home in the Trailer Estates Adult Retirement Community. For several years, she had the privilege of studying under and painting with the late Ralph Garafola and many other artists. Each fall you would find Ellie and Dan in Ann Arbor rooting for their beloved University of Michigan football team. In summer, Ellie enjoyed hosting family and friends at their lake house in Argentine Township, where they lived for the past 25+ years.  Among her many interests, she was a gifted artist, avid reader, accomplished genealogist, loved baking Christmas cookies with her grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, devoted University of Michigan fan (Go Blue!), and enjoyed Happy Hour every day at 5pm.

She is survived by her loving husband Dan, two amazing daughters, Chrissy (Damon) Tinley and Angie (Jose) Morales, four wonderful grandsons, Daniel, Joseph, Carlos, and Jonathan, along with twelve siblings, numerous in-laws, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

She is preceeded in death by her parents William and Margaret (Russell) Zick, sister- in-law and special friend, Ann Zick, brothers-in-law Brian Robinson and Larry Betz and niece Sharon Zick.

The family wishes to say THANK YOU to all the nurses and doctors who treated her at the University of Michigan Medical Center, the staff at Rehab and Mobility Systems, the nurses and staff, and especially nurse Carolanne, at Residential Hospice, and all the family and friends that have helped out.

Ellie will lie in state at the Plumb-Smith Funeral Home, G-1208 North Ballenger Highway, Flint Township, where friends may visit 4:00-9:00 PM, Monday, April 11, 2022.  A prayer service will be held that evening at the funeral home.  Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Tuesday, April 12, 2022 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 700 East Columbia Drive, Durand, Michigan, Rev. Fr. William Wegher officiating.  Private interment will occur 11:00 AM Tuesday, August 2, 2022 at Yerian Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Special Olympics.