Dena M. Evans was born October 1, 1916, to Clarence and Josephine (Wallen) Johnson at Fairfield. She passed away August 19, 2002, at the Ellett Memorial Hospital in Appleton City.
On May 2, 1932, she was united in marriage to Lloyd A. Evans. To this union 14 children were born. While raising the children, she worked on the farm with Lloyd.
Upon Lloyd's death on February 5, 1970, and the children grown, she worked at several restaurants in Lowry City and Osceola until her health forced her to retire.
Dena's door was always open to her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Each and everyone spent countless hours at Grandma Dena's. There was always a puzzle to be put togehter, a board game to be explored or a deck of cards to be shuffled. Some even got to enjoy a late movie on Saturday night with her.
Dena enjoyed her family. Until a few years ago, Sunday dinner at Grandma's was a must, with the biggest part of the whole clan gathering there. She spent many hours piecing quilts and embroidering pillow tops or dresser scarves for gifts at Christmas or weddings. She was only a phone call away if we needed a babysitter or anything else.
Dena will be greatly missed by her family, nieces and nephews and friends.
Dena was preceded in death by Lloyd; an infant son; and one daughter, Janice Summers on February 5, 1991. Also preceding her was a sister, Ruth; two brothers, Billy and Albert; and one niece; and a son-in-law Fred.
Dena is survived by seven daughters and five sons. Sylvia Greathouse and her husband, Bill; Christene Greathouse and her husband, Harry; Vera Greathouse; Phyllis Cutler and her husband Loren; Sharon SMith and her husband, Bill; Pam Dutcher and her husband, Harold; and Sandy Bayless and her husband, Jerry; Larry and his wife, Arliss; Jerry Wayne; Gary and his wife, Thelma; Travis and his wife, Glenda; and Terry Evans; 39 Grandchildren; 72 great grandchildren; one great great grandchild; son-in-law Harold Summers; sister-in-law, Elsie Johnson; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Funeral Services were held Saturday, August 24 at 11 a.m. at Sheldon-Goodrich Chapel with Minister Greg Mangum officiating. Music by Marinel Greathouse, vocalist; Danny Greathouse, vocalist; Kathy Brown, pianist; and Myra Foster, flutist. The Music Selecitons were "Swing Low Sweet Chariot", "What a Day That Will Be", "Amazing Grace" and "How Great Thoy Art". Casket bearers were the grandsons. Intement was in Osceola Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of Randy Sheldon at Sheldon-Goodrich Funeral Home, Osceola.
St. Clair County Courier, Friday, August 30, 2002