Evans, Beth Louise

Beth Louise Evans, 94, of Cedar Rapids, formerly of Early, passed from Alzheimer's disease on April 24, 2013, at the Woodlands / The Meth-Wick Community in Cedar Rapids. A celebration of life service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 1, at the United Methodist Church in Early. Burial will be in the Early Union Cemetery. Visitation will take place Tuesday, April 30, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake. The Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of arrangements.

Beth is survived by her sons, Jack (Nancy) of Cedar Rapids and Craig (De Anne Parks) of Rosemount, Minn.; grandchildren, Matthew, Will, Peter, Seth and Maria Evans; and great-grandchildren, Andrew, Samuel and Jacob Evans.

Born Aug. 20, 1918, in Anamosa, Beth was the daughter of Will and Stella (Slife) Weaver. Her only sibling, a brother, Barton, died during World War II as a prisoner of war in Germany. She was raised in Hawarden, Iowa, and graduated from Hawarden High School in 1936. She received a two-year degree with a teaching certificate from Iowa State Teachers College (now University of Northern Iowa) in 1939. Her first job was in Correctionville, Iowa, teaching third-graders and earning $85 per month on a nine-month contract. Another Correctionville teacher, Shirley Evans, introduced Beth to her brother, Lt. Robert Evans, and they were married on June 23, 1943.

Beth and Robert were married for 55 years and lived in Early, Iowa. She was very active in the community, especially the Early Methodist Church, serving as church organist for over 50 years. She provided accompaniment countless times to students and other performers at community and regional events. Beth and Robert enjoyed retirement and spent winters in Arizona.

Robert passed away in 1998 and Beth became a resident of The Meth-Wick Community in 2003. Beth loved to spend time with family and friends. She especially enjoyed cooking and entertaining. Her love of music was shared with many.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Early Methodist Church Endowment Fund.

Her family wishes to thank the dedicated and caring staff at The Meth-Wick Community.

Published April 26, 2013 in The Gazette