08-08-2018

Marjorie Evans, age 95

A Celebration of Life Gathering of Friends Visitation for Marjorie Evans, age 95, of Creston, formerly of the Lenox/Sharpsburg area, who passed away Saturday, July 21, 2018 at the Greater Community Hospice House will be held at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Lenox on Saturday, August 11, 2018 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM with the family greeting friends. Instead of flowers the family requests memorials be given in Margie’s name.. Memories may be shared with the family at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox where we ‘Celebrate Life’.
Marjorie Lucille (Ferguson) Evans was born January 2, 1923, at their family farm east of Lenox, Iowa the daughter of George Andrew Ferguson and Mary Elizabeth (Recknor) Ferguson. She grew up attending country school across the road from her home. Marge and her sisters had to go home every day for a hot lunch while the rest of the students got to bring theirs in a pail. She went eight years to country school and high school in Lenox where she played on two state tournament teams, meeting radio broadcaster, Ronald Reagan. Marge taught one year after graduation, having ten students, earning $40 a month and pair $30 a month for room and board with a nearby family. Since you couldn’t be married while teaching in those days, she gave it up to marry Leo Francis Evans on May 19, 1942 in Grant City, Missouri. Following the marriage service, they and their witnesses, Lois Brokaw and Alvin Brown, had a picnic in the park enjoying bologna sandwiches. They then drove to Creston and spent the night at the Iowana Hotel. The following morning they strolled through the 5 & Dime Store and purchased some fresh strawberries before returning to work at the farm!
Seven children were born to bless their lives, Sandra Kay, Joyce Ilene, Patricia Jean, Jacqueline Carol, Michael Allen, Laurie Lou and Nicholas Leo.
Marge was very creative writing poems and skits for special occasions; she enjoyed square dancing, was active in PTA and never missed an opportunity to help her children and others with 4-H projects. Leo and Marge sang with the Lentennial Aires, recording a record for the Lenox Centennial. They farmed until retiring in 1987. For over 25 years, they wintered in Alamo, Texas, being named “Winter Texans” for the City of Alamo in 2004.
Left to cherish her memories are her children Joyce Ilene Weeda of Lenox, Iowa; Patricia Jean Ferris and husband Dave of Lenox, Iowa; Jacqueline Carol Wehrle and husband Mark of Lake Ozark, Missouri; Michael Allen Evans and wife Jill of Minneapolis, Minnesota; Laurie Lou Sybert and husband Lyle of Owasso, Oklahoma; Nicholas Leo Evans and wife Laurie of Creston, Iowa; son-in-law Bob Shields of Atlantic, Iowa; 22 grandchildren; 51 great-grandchildren; 6 great-great-grandchildren; along with many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Preceding Marge in death was her loving husband Leo Evans in October of 2010; daughter Sandra Shields; son-in-law Delbert Weeda; two granddaughters, Jasmine Evans and Lauren Sybert; her parents, George and Mary Ferguson; five sisters, Merle Beggs, Thelma Boltinghouse, Juanita Sweeney, Georgia Stoaks and Helen Brokaw;
Marge was a devoted and loving wife and mother to her children,
as well as others in need. Her smile, humor, compassion and love for others will be missed by everyone . . . as well as her cooking!