Evelyn Ruben Sallee

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” — 2 Timothy 4:7

Evelyn Ruben Sallee, 76, of South Bend, IN, transitioned peacefully into the arms of the Lord on Thursday, November 27, 2025, at her home.

Born in Harrisburg, Kentucky, on October 27, 1949, to the late Henry Sallee and Mary (Sallee) Taylor, Evelyn lived a life marked by faith, service, and unwavering devotion to God and her family.

For many years, she worked for the South Bend Community School Corporation, where she poured patience, kindness, and dedication into every life she touched.

Evelyn was a faithful and cherished member of Saints Memorial Church of God in Christ (C.O.G.I.C.) in South Bend, IN. She began her ministry as a Sunday School teacher, later being elevated to Sunday School Superintendent. In this role, she diligently guided the spiritual growth of the church’s youth and adults, overseeing all Sunday School activities with excellence and love.

She also made church history as the first Deaconess of Saints Memorial C.O.G.I.C., where she served with humility and honor, assisting in the financial operations of the church. Her commitment to God’s work remained steadfast until her health no longer permitted her to attend.

Evelyn was previously married to the late Joseph Eugene Northern, and later to Rudy Hodges, who currently resides in Mississippi.

She leaves to cherish her memory her only child and daughter, Gia Northern; her siblings, Brenda Harris, Aurelia Guidry, and Clarence Taylor; her grandchildren, Joseph Deshawn Northern and Raven Evonne McKinstry; and six great-grandchildren. Evelyn touched each of them with her strength, her wisdom, and her prayers.

In accordance with her wishes, no service will be held at this time. Evelyn will be laid to rest at a later date at Southlawn Cemetery in South Bend.

When God called your name so softly,

We knew your work was done.

Your journey here completed,

Your earthly race now run.

But love is not diminished,

Nor memories erased,

For every prayer you whispered

Still fills our hearts with grace.

Rest now in heaven’s glory,

At peace, forever free.

Until the day God calls us home,

And joins our family.

Online condolences may be shared with the family via the Palmer Funeral Homes website at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.