Obituaries : Mary Evelyn Woods Fowler

Mary Evelyn Woods Fowler, 92, passed peacefully into Heaven on Wednesday, April 10, 2013, at her home in Vinton. Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday, April 15, 2013, at First Christian Church in Vinton with Rev. Connie Wacht officiating. Visitation will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday, April 14, at the church and also one hour prior to services on Monday. Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Vinton. Evelyn was born April 1, 1921, in Vinton, Iowa, to Frank and Agnes Thompson Woods. Her childhood was spent in Vinton, and she graduated from Lincoln High School in 1939. On July 4, 1941, Evelyn was united in marriage with Lyle A. Fowler in Kirksville, Missouri. The couple made their home in Vinton, where Evelyn was a loving wife and homemaker. Lyle preceded her in death on November 8, 1979. Evelyn was an active church member at First Christian Church in Vinton. She was a 50+ year member of the American Legion Auxiliary. She also volunteered at HACAP for several years. She and her family enjoyed camping, fishing and family time. Her hobbies included reading, sewing, knitting, crocheting, crossword puzzles, and collecting dolls, some of which she handcrafted herself. As a widow, she pursued a lifelong love of painting. Evelyn is survived by her children: Doug of Vinton; Mary (Drew) McInroy of Marion; Vicki (Craig) Streeter of Vinton; John (Betty) of Vinton; Nancy (Ken) Kampman of Cedar Falls; and Lyle Jr. (Marijane), Pete (Danelle) and Bob (Theresa), all of Vinton; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and three brothers: Francis, Richard “Dick” and Robert “Johnny” Woods. A memorial fund has been established. Evelyn’s family would like to thank Lutheran Home Health, Hospice Compassus and Virginia Gay Hospital for their patience and care for their Mom. Thanks also to Dr. Meeker and Dr. Dearden for their long-time care of Evelyn. Van Steenhuyse-Russell Funeral Home of Vinton is caring for Evelyn and her family. Condolences may be left at www.vsrfh.com.