Evelyn Laux

Evelyn Blen Laux died Friday, September 15, 2017 at her home in Grafton, Illinois. She was born August 6, 1924 and grew up on her family farm in Pearl, Illinois. 

Ms. Laux believed strongly in learning and devoted her career to education. She received her Bachelor’s in Journalism from the University of Missouri Columbia and her Masters in Library Studies from the University of Illinois. She shared her knowledge with others driving the bookmobile for the Missouri State Library, and also at the St. Louis Public Library, the Social Services Library and the University of Illinois Library. In 1960, she joined Granite City School District #9, where she helped thousands of students find books to read for pleasure, to research and to learn. While in Granite City, she was proud to open the first library at both Prather Junior High School and later Granite City High School/North. She also helped support her colleagues, serving as secretary for the Granite City Federation of Teachers Local 743. 

Upon her retirement in 1983, Ms. Laux turned her dedication and passion to community and civic work. Throughout the 1990s, she served on the Grafton City Council. She worked tirelessly during the Great Flood of 1993 for Grafton, even as her own home was destroyed. After the flood, she was a strong voice during the city's work to establish affordable homes for flood victims in Grafton Hills, led the creation of the Grafton Visitors Center, and helped to organize the monthly senior luncheons. She supported the preservation and understanding of local history when she founded the Grafton Historical Society and supported the Jersey County Historical Society, including the Hamilton Primary School in Otterville.  For years, she crisscrossed Jersey County as a volunteer for Meals on Wheels, and she also taught drivers education through Illinois's senior citizen Rules of the Road Review Course. 

Her family, friends and neighbors will remember her for her care for others, independent spirit, love of knowledge and sharp wit. 

She is survived by her nieces and nephews, Nancy Hadley, Ronnie (Donna) Laux, Brent Laux, Mary Laux and Mark Davis

In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by three brothers, John Lee, Henry Lee, Margaret and J.R. and a nephew, John William Laux.

Visitation will be from 9 am until time of funeral services at 11 am Monday September 18, 2017 at Gress Kallal and Schaaf Funeral  Home in Hardin with Bob Smith officiating.

Burial will follow at Hess Cemetery in Pearl, IL

In lieu of flowers, memorials in her memory are requested to be given to the World Wildlife Fund. 

Gress, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Hardin are charge of the arrangements. 

Obit Provided By:
Gress, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home