Leona Mae Evilizer

Mrs. Leona Mae Evilsizer, nee Hawkins/Garbs, of Mascoutah, IL, died suddenly on Jan. 20, 2012 at Terrace on the Park (Grange Nursing Home), Mascoutah, IL, after a lingering illness of many years. Born in St. Louis, MO on March 6, 1930, Mrs. Evilsizer grew up on a farm on the outskirts of Okawville, IL, the third daughter of Mr. Clarence “Earl” Hawkins and Mrs. Zelines Lee “Girlie” Hawkins, nee Garbs. On Dec. 14, 1946, she was united in marriage to Clyde “Red” Evilsizer at the First United Methodist Church in Nashville, IL. Leona was 16 and Clyde, 20, discharged only two days from the 3rd Army, after spending two years of combat on Okinawa during WW II. Leona attended Okawville grade and high schools. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church and a choir member. Leona continued her education through a unique Illinois state waiver program and became a Licensed Practical Nurse. She interned under Dr. Charles Longwell, Dr. Fagens and Mrs. Rose Garbs, R.N.


Leona and Clyde resided in Okawville where they worked in their chosen careers of nursing and government while raising their three children. Together they were instrumental in instituting the first V.F.W. in Okawville, Post 5596. Through their efforts, they were elected first Charter Commander and Charter President (Ladies Auxiliary) of the new Post. Leona and Clyde continued to be active members until their deaths.


In 1972 they moved to Mascoutah. Leona worked at the Grange, the MarKa and the West Main Nursing Homes and devoted to the care and comfort of geriatric patients. She was energetically dedicated, working selflessly and tirelessly for her family, friends and patients. In 1983 Leona was widowed after 37 years of marriage, however, continued seemingly without effort to care for her family and the elderly. Leona was a remarkable woman, who will long be remembered for her energy, her cheerful attitude, her devotion and her gentle heart by her family, friends and the families of the patients she attended who passed before her.


Leona truly inspired her children with values of family dedication, patriotism, education, and the pioneering spirit of her great-grandfather Reuben Hawkins, Civil War Veteran and Washington County Pioneer.


She will be lovingly remembered by her family as she danced at her children’s and grandchildren’s weddings, saw her great-grandchildren off to school and gently instilled wisdom to them all. She will be remembered by friends and acquaintances she met as she traveled after retirement, whether around town or across the country, laughing and joking with all. A bright spirit has been removed from our presence, but will surely enhance the lights of Heaven.


Leona is preceded in death by her husband, Clyde Evilsizer. She is survived by her oldest child and only daughter, Diana and husband John Bennett Cruthird of Belleville, IL; Grandchildren Douglas G. Helbig, wife Kandi, and children Danielle and Nicholas of Carlinville, IL; Mikell W. Cruthird and fiancé Melanie Ha of Fremont, CA; Glenn C. Helbig, wife Michele and children Alexis and Austin of Okawville, IL; eldest son Steven Clyde Evilsizer of Pueblo, CO and grandchildren Joshua Evilsizer and Jill Evilsizer Cooper and husband and 3 children all of Greenville, NC; youngest son and sidekick Jeffery Lee Evilsizer and wife Karen and family of Mascoutah, IL, also niece Gail and husband Dudley Lang of Los Angeles, CA who Leona raised with the rest of her children.


Leona is also preceded in death by her parents, her older sister Ellen (who died in infancy), her youngest sister Marcella Madala and brother-in-law Paul “Skip” Welker.


She is survived by one sister, Mrs. Annie Laurie “Loy” Welker and son, James Arthur Welker, and his children Melissa, Julie and Angie, their husbands and children.


Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 PM Monday, Jan. 23, 2012 at the Moll Funeral Home, Mascoutah, IL.


Funeral services will be held 1 PM Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2012 at Moll Funeral Home in Mascoutah with The Rev. Jason Woolever from Bethel United Methodist Church in Mascoutah officiating. Burial will be in Mascoutah City Cemetery, Mascoutah, IL where she will be laid to rest next to her husband.


May God Bless Her And Keep Her Till We Meet Again.