Elsie L. Phelps, age 90, formerly of Flora, Illinois, passed away Sunday morning, May 21, 2017, at River Crossing Assisted Living in Charlestown, Indiana.  

   Elsie was born June 26, 1926, in Delaplaine, Arkansas, the daughter of Clarence George and Effie Elizabeth (Brown) Payne.  She married Robert V. Phelps Sr. in September 1943.  He preceded her in death on May 10, 1982.  For a number of years, Elsie worked as a cook at the East End Café and was also head cook at Lincoln School for a time.  She was a loving mother, a dedicated homemaker, and had been a member of the First Christian Church in Flora.  Elsie crocheted throughout her life, and enjoyed bird watching and feeding the Cardinals.

   She is survived by her children: Robert V. Phelps Jr. (wife Katharine) of Virginia Beach, VA, Carolyn Barnes (husband Jack) of Lexington, IN, and Kevin Phelps (wife Janet) of Wadsworth, OH; a sister: Zelda Devore of Flora; 10 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, and a number of nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; a son: Jack Phelps; and 7 siblings: Nancy Ellen Gilley, Dollie Farris, Donald Payne, John Payne, Fred Payne, Rollie Payne, and Charles Payne.

   A funeral service for Elsie Phelps will be 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 24, 2017, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home, Flora, with a visitation from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home.  Interment will follow in Elmwood Cemetery, Flora.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to First Christian Church and will be accepted at the funeral home.  To share a condolence, visit www.frankandbright.com.