Evelyn Frances (Hanish) Snavely

Evelyn Frances Snavely, born January 6, 1933, on the Bush family farm near Plover, Iowa, to Leo and Edna (Grethen) Hanish, passed away on July 24, 2024. She was the eldest of nine siblings and a beloved figure in her family and community.

The Hanish family moved to Laurens, Iowa, in 1933, where Evelyn attended Marshal Township #7, a one-room schoolhouse, and graduated in the top ten from Laurens High School in 1952. While attending Laurens High School, Evelyn was honored to be the FFA Sweetheart, and on the homecoming court. Setting a benchmark that was followed by her eight siblings.

Evelyn attended Emmetsburg Junior College, where she was active in cheerleading, theater, and basketball. She then pursued her teaching degree at the University of Northern Iowa, graduating with a teaching certificate and beginning her career at Mallard Community School.

A cherished family story recounts how, at about 20 years old, Evelyn’s youngest sister Kathy, convinced that she [Evelyn] would be destined to be an “old maid”, accepted a second date with Robert Snavely on Evelyn’s behalf. Evelyn’s love for sewing was beautifully displayed in her wedding dress, which featured a sweetheart bodice, a sheer lace overlay, and 55 covered buttons symbolizing the year of her marriage. According to her sisters, she was still working on the buttons the night before her wedding.

Evelyn and Bob were married on June 1, 1955, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Laurens. They shared 65 loving years together until Bob’s passing in 2019, on Evelyn’s birthday. Together, they had seven children, including a set of twins.

In 1979, Evelyn earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Iowa and continued to substitute teach for many years. Her passion for family was evident in her seven children, 15 grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. She made a point to stay connected with her family, embracing weekly video calls with her siblings and in-laws, and frequently returning to Laurens.

Evelyn had a deep appreciation for the Iowa Freedom Rock Tour, aiming to see all 99 rocks before her passing—she was close to achieving this goal. Known for her vibrant spirit, Evelyn loved gardening, playing cards, sharing family stories, and occasionally playing light-hearted pranks. Her infectious giggle, especially when with her siblings and in-laws, and her eagerness to teach and share knowledge endeared her to everyone she met.

Evelyn is survived by son Mark (Susan Slight) of Fort Worth, TX, and five daughters; Barbara (Brian Harris) Conner of Sullivan, IL, Janet (Rick) Gustafson of Lisle, IL, Diann (Bruce) Thomas of Willowbrook, IL, Ruth Proctor and Dan Tooker of Springfield, IL, Linda (Michael) Romans of Bettendorf, IA, 15 Grandchildren: Christopher Snavely, Brittany (Greg) Snavely Krause, Stuart Hood, Ellen (Brian) Winekauf Voyles, Jacquelyn (Brian) Conner Walters, Jared (Shelly Chapman) Gustafson, Micheal (Samantha Miller) Gustafson, Warren Thomas, Ian Thomas, Vee Thomas, Joshua Proctor, Haley Proctor, Daniel Romans, Nathan Romans, six great-grandchildren, Gracelyn, Drake, Darby, and Beau Krause, Isabeau and Persephone Walters, four sisters, Lois (Larry) White, Margaret (Fred) McKim, Jeanne Cowan, and Kathy (Jerry) Ball, one brother Dean (Daneze) Hanish, and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephew.  The Hanish legacy includes approximately 200 direct descendants and counting.  Evelyn would be proud!

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bob Snavely; her parents, Leo and Edna (Grethen) Hanish; her daughter, Mariann Snavely; her grandson, Nicholas Proctor; her brothers, Roger Hanish and Wayne Hanish; and her sister, Phyllis Anderson.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 31, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Tipton, IA from 9 to 11 a.m., followed by a mass at 11 a.m. with a luncheon to follow. On Thursday, August 1, there will be a visitation at Powers Funeral Home in Pocahontas, IA from 10 to 11 a.m., with a graveside service to follow and a luncheon at Resurrection of Our Lord Hall. Online condolences may be shared at www.powersfh.net or www.fryfuneralhome.com.