EVELYN SMOTHERS

Evelyn Smothers, 90, of Tucson, AZ, formerly of Johnston City, died at 8:27 AM on October 12, 2013, at TMC Hospice ("Peppi's House") in Tucson, AZ.

She was born April 20, 1923, to Harry and Lillie M. (Dillard) Slater.

She was a veteran of World War II, having served in the Army. She was a clerk/typist and was honorably discharged with the rank of corporal in December 1945.

She married Johnny Ray "Red" Smothers on Nov 16, 1956 in Corinth, MS. He preceded her in death on Mar 28, 1999.

She worked 26 years as a caseworker for the Illinois Department of Public Aid in Marion. She retired in June 1983.

She enjoyed spending time hunting and fishing with her husband, who was an avid outdoorsman. As time passed, the hunting trips turned into bird watching events for her. She enjoyed trailer camping with her family, frequently spending time at Ferne Cliffe State Park, Rend Lake, and Reelfoot Lake, TN. She was a member of the Happy Campers camping club. She was a member of the Business and Professional Women's (BPW) club.

In her last few years, she enjoyed spending time with Mario DellaBetta, going out to Arrowhead Lake campground to watch people riding the paddleboats, eat a hot dog, or watch the kids fishing.

She was a very kind, sweet person who enjoyed talking to people and hearing their life stories. She will be greatly missed by family and friends. One of her favorite sayings was "Life's great if you don't weaken". She believed in higher education, and encouraged her sons to go to college. She believed in staying active and loved eating fresh garden tomatoes.

She is survived by two sons; Van Wilson, of Marion, IL, and Tom and Diann Smothers, of Tucson, AZ; sister-in-law, Lucille Vogan, of Wood River, IL; nieces Millicent Melchi, of Sturgis, MI, Karen Vogan of Wood River, IL; Debbie and Greg Harden of Alton, IL; nephews Melvin Williams of Kokomo, IN; Harry Joe Brunn of Shreveport, LA; and numerous great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Johnny Ray "Red" Smothers; two sisters; Mary Williams and Jeannie Brunn; and brother-in-laws, Bill Vogan and Delbert Williams.

Services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Saturday October 26, 2013 at the Murman & Wilson Funeral Home in Johnston City with Pastor Lee Petty officiating. Burial will be in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Marion. Visitation will be from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Friday at the Funeral home. Graveside military rites will be conducted by the Marion V.F.W., American Legion, and Illinois Army National Guard