Eleanor Zerkel nee Matison, age 77 of Hammond, IN passed away on Monday, October 31, 2011 at Chicagoland Christian Village in Crown Point, IN. She was born on January 16, 1934 in East Chicago, IN. Loving mother of MaryBeth Tyler of Valparaiso, IN, Pam Zerkel of Lansing, IL, Renee (Rich) Eagen of Nappanee, IN, Tom (Michele) Zerkel of Crown Point, IN, and Frank (Kim) Zerkel of Rensselauer, IN Proud grandma and great-grandma Beloved neighbor and friend to many Preceded in death by her husband of 50 years O. Leroy Zerkel, her parents George and Emma Matison, and in-laws Orville Glen and Mary Zerkel. Eleanor was a devoted wife and mother. She loved ceramics, crocheting, and gardening. She also enjoyed baking for the Holidays. She was a member of St. Nicholas Byzantine Church of East Chicago, IN. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am on Thursday, November 3, 2011 at LaHayne Funeral Home, 6955 Southeastern Ave. Hammond, IN. Friends are invited to meet with the family on Wednesday from 3- 7 pm at LaHayne Funeral Home. All who knew Eleanor will cherish her memory forever. She will be greatly missed.