Evelyn I. Stover

Evelyn I. Stover, 89, of St. Petersburg, Florida formerly of Centralia and Hoffman Illinois, passed away Wednesday, August 16, 2017 at Gulf Shores Care Center in St. Petersburg. She was born in Vernon, Illinois, to the late Walter and Edna Wernsman, the oldest of 15 children. She married Russell Stover on May 21, 1947 in Centralia. She is survived by her daughter, Cynthia Ernst and her husband Bob, four sisters Dorothy Choate, Nita Bogue, Edna Barrow and Jane Peters and two brothers, Bob Wernsman and Mike Wernsman. She is preceded in death by her husband Russell, one sister, Carol Ann, and six brothers, Dean, Dale, Charlie, Russ, Joe, Jerry, and Jack. Mrs. Stover was very proud of and loved all 39 nieces and nephews and their children. One of her favorite things was family gatherings and she was known for bringing her famous homemade chocolate cake and baked ham. Evelyn was a graduate of the CHS Class of 1945, graduate of SIU Carbondale and taught at rural, one-room school houses in Marion and Clinton counties. She worked at the Hollywood Candy Company and later in 1967, went to work at Kaskaskia College where she worked until she retired 42 years later in 2009. While at KC, she received the Faculty & Staff Award for Outstanding Part-Time Staff in 2004, the Alumni Recognition Outstanding Humanitarian Alumnus Award in 2006 for the State of Illinois, and the Trustee Recognition Honoree Associate Degree in 2009. She also supervised the Food Baskets and Angel Trees for BCMW and Salvation Army, started the Volunteer Ambassador Program at KC, and Co-chaired the first Heart Walk in the area. In addition, Evelyn was an active member of the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Centralia where she was a Sunday school teacher for 42 years. She was also a mentor for the “Tuesday’s Child” program at the church. She was a Charter Member of the Central City Lioness, former President, and Lioness-of-the-Year. She received the “Studs Terkel Award for Volunteerism” for Organization of the 100-Year Anniversary for Hoffman, Illinois and was BPW Women-of-the-Year. She will be remembered as a Loving Wife, Mother, Family Member and Dear Friend to all those she touched on her life’s journey. Friends are invited to visit from 12 noon until the time of service at 1 p.m. on Saturday, September 16, 2017 with Reverend Elaine Bush officiating at Hillcrest Lakeside Chapel in Centralia, Illinois. Memorials may be made to the Hoffman Volunteer Fire Department or the Kaskaskia College Fine/Performing Arts Department and may be received by Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home who is assisting the family with arrangements. Please view the online obituary or send condolences to Mrs. Stover’s family at sutherlandfuneralhome.com.

Evelyn I. Stover

January 6, 1928 - August 16, 2017