Elva McConnell, age 86, of Italy, passed away Sunday, January 1, 2012 at Baylor Medical Center in Waxahachie.  She was born July 25, 1925 in Lewisville, Texas to Newton Payne and Zula Mae (Nowlin) Gentry. She had been married to Zack McConnell for 66 years before his death in 2009.

Elva was a longtime member of the Italy and the Red Oak Church of Christ. While growing up, she was affectionately known as “Tootsie” by her family and friends.  She was very involved in the family furniture business, while being a dedicated wife and mother. She also generously donated to the community and was named Citizen of the Month in November, 2011.  Elva was a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother and great-great grandmother.  She was very attentive to everyone’s needs, especially her family who she worried about more than herself. She was loved by all and will be greatly missed.

Survivors include one son, Zack McConnell and his wife Linda of Gunter, Texas; two daughters, Cynthia Hadorn and her husband Steve of Austin and Donna Chambers of Italy; grandchildren, Marchelle Michel and husband Paul, Meridith McConnell, Zack Mitchell McConnell, Staci Barton and husband Stoney, Brady Hamilton and wife Erica, Douglas Chambers, Carrie Hilliard and husband Mark; great grandchildren, Stormey Barton, Saylor Barton, Abbey Hamilton, Heather Hilliard, Sam Hilliard, Kyle Chambers and wife Darcy, Nikki Smith and husband Cody; great-great grandchildren, Jesse and Eli Chambers, Cort  and Lexi Smith. Elva was preceded in death by her parents; husband Zack McConnell; sister, Zelma Bagwell and one grandson, Chris Chambers.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 PM Tuesday, January 3, 2012 at the Boze-Mitchell-McKibbin Chapel in Italy.

Funeral services are scheduled for 11 AM Wednesday, January 4, 2012 at the Boze-Mitchell-McKibbin Chapel in Italy with Mr. Walter Buchanan and Mr. Wayne England officiating.  Interment will follow at the Italy Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Zack McConnell, Zack Mitchell McConnell, Steve Hadorn, Stoney Barton, Brady Hamilton, Stormey Barton, Douglas Chambers, Mark Samuel Hilliard.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Boze-Mitchell-McKibbin Funeral Home in Waxahachie.