Marcella Evans
Wood River | Save
Godfrey—Marcella B. Evans, 97, formerly of Wood River, passed away Friday, September 29, 2017 at Integrity Healthcare of Godfrey.
Born Jan. 27, 1920 in Guion, Izard County, Arkansas, she was a daughter of Arthur and Elizabeth (Pentecost) Smith. She was raised on a farm, where she inherited a love for nature, which she instilled in her children. She attended business school for one year after graduating from high school.
She married Lawrence G. Evans July 4, 1941 in St. Charles, MO, and together they had six children.
Marcella was a long time member of Holy Angels Church in Wood River, formerly known as St. Bernard’s. All six of her children attended St. Bernard’s School and church. She was actively involved with children all of her adult life. She was a Girl Scout leader for several years and was owner/supervisor of Toyland Daycare Center for ten years. She nurtured her own children for many years and later did the same for her grandchildren. She raised her children in the Catholic faith and eventually became Catholic at age 75. When she lived at home, she always had many houseplants which were lovingly tended. She loved to read and always stressed the importance of education. She had a rich, full life, and will be sadly missed.
Survivors include two daughters, Rosemary (Martin) Sammartano of California and Ruth (John) Dwiggins of Godfrey; two sons, Dr. Lawrence (Ginger) Evans of St. Louis, MO and Don (Donna Fisher) Evans of Godfrey; 14 grandchildren and 32 great grandchildren; a son-in-law, Bill Ash of St. Louis and a very special loved one, Andrea “Boo Boo” Schenk.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; two daughters, Gwen (Bob) Dwiggins and Kathy Ash; a sister, Gwen Breeden; and three brothers, Woodrow, Travis and Hugh Smith; one grandson, Matthew Dwiggins and one great grandson, Teddy Poe.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Integrity of Godfrey for taking such loving care of her. We also thank Heartland Hospice who made her so comfortable and content in her last days. You are all truly angels on Earth.
Visitation will be Tuesday, October 3, 2017 at Holy Angels Catholic Church from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m., when Father Donald Wolford will celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial.
Burial will be at a later date at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto.
Memorials may be made to Heartland Hospice or 5A’s
An online guestbook and information are available at www.paynicfh.com
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