Evelyn Christine Gifford,81, of Muncie, Indiana, passed away on September 18, 2026. She was born on July 9, 1945, in Muncie, Indiana, to John and Nancy (Cross) Neal.

She was a woman who loved her family deeply and found happiness in the simple things in life. She enjoyed knitting, fishing, gardening, shopping, spending time with her family, and going on vacations. She especially loved decorating for Halloween and Christmas and putting her heart into making homemade gifts for her grandchildren.

She leaves behind her children, Ray E. Gifford Jr., Debbie R. Gifford, and Bobby R. Gifford, along with multiple grandchildren who will continue to carry her love and memories with them.

She is preceded in death by her father, John T. Neal; mother, Lilly Nancy Jane (Grose) Neal; sisters, Lilly Maydell Neal-Burton, Mary Ruth Neal-Roysdon, Sarah Wanda Neal-Cooper; children: Jimmey R. Gifford, Johnny R. Gifford, and Raychell C. (Gifford) Huckleby; husband, Ray E. Gifford Sr.; and significant other, Dave M. Clark.

She will be deeply missed, but the love she gave, the memories she made, and the little pieces of herself she left behind will live on through her family forever.

Funeral services will be on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at 12:00 PM at Parson Mortuary, 801 W. Adams Street, Muncie, Indiana.  Friends may call on the family from 9:00 AM until the time of the service.  Burial will follow at Gardens of Memory, north of Muncie.