Evelyn Jennet Lancaster, 92, of Morrison, IL, passed away peacefully in her home on Thursday, September 29, 2016, a fitting conclusion to a life well-lived.
Evelyn was born in Fenton, IL, the third of five children born to Frederick M. and Eugenia (Cary) Rosenow, on December 10, 1923. She was a 1941 graduate of Erie High School and earned her teaching certificate in 1947 from Northern Illinois University. She married Donald C. Lancaster on March 27, 1948, at Fenton E.U.B. church; he preceded her in death on May 5, 1995. A life-long learner, Evelyn enjoyed the impact of her chosen career of teaching, serving in rural schools as well as Dixon, IL, and Lyndon, IL, Grade Schools. Besides teaching, she was employed at General Electric in Morrison from 1973 to 1985. One of her greatest joys was engaging in spirited debates about politics and current events. She decorated her classrooms and her home to mark every holiday and change of season. She was passionate about ancestry, poetry, and history; collected coins and stamps; was fascinated by the workings of the human body; enjoyed a good card game. She loved her brothers dearly and treasured their trips to Las Vegas, NV, and California. Evelyn was a member of United Brethren Church of Fenton since 1951, then joined the Baptist Church when they moved to Morrison. Throughout her life, she quietly found ways to help those around her, through Meals on Wheels and less public means.
Survivors include her son, Doug (Kaarina) Lancaster, and daughter, Jeanne (Rich) Strobbe, all of Morrison; five grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Donald; three brothers, Frederick, James H., and Chuck Rosenow; one sister in infancy.
FUNERAL SERVICE: 11:00 a.m., Monday, October 3, 2016, at the Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home
OFFICIATING: Rev. Dick Adams, Pastor of First Baptist Church, Morrison, IL
VISITATION: 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday, October 3, 2016, at the Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home
INTERMENT: Grove Hill Cemetery, Morrison, IL
MEMORIAL: First Baptist Church, Morrison, IL