Evelyn Marie Saathoff Irwin

Evelyn Marie Saathoff Irwin, of Bronaugh, passed away quietly at Nevada Regional Medical Center on Thursday, Nov. 9. Evelyn was born on Oct. 4, 1927, to John G. and Anna (Willers) Saathoff.

Evelyn attended school at Bronaugh, graduating in 1944. She then attended Pittsburg State College and began teaching in 1945. On May 5, 1947, she married Donald Irwin and they enjoyed a long married life for 56 years until his death in 2013. Donald and Evelyn were the parents of two sons, Lyndon and Gary.

Evelyn resumed teaching at Bronaugh after her sons started school. She completed her bachelor of science degree in teaching from Pitt State during summers and evenings. She had a successful 32-year teaching career, teaching fifth grade, sixth grade and kindergarten at Bronaugh and was a former Vernon County Teacher of the Year. She and Don had a long retirement, enjoying bus trips, quilting, crocheting and games with friends and family. Evelyn also managed financial records for Irwin Farms. Evelyn was raised as a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Moundville but after her marriage, she joined the Methodist Church at Bronaugh for the rest of her life. She was a talented pianist and often accompanied the Methodist Church quartet.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Elmer Saathoff and a daughter-in-law, Barbara Jean Marlow Irwin. She is survived by her sons, Dr. Lyndon Irwin, of Bois D'Arc, Mo., and Gary Irwin (Kathy) of Asbury, Mo., four grandchildren: John Irwin (Risa), of Eaton, Ohio; Phillip Irwin (Ashley), of Springfield, Mo.; Kendall Irwin of Columbia, Mo., and Kelsey Irwin of Springfield, Mo., and a foreign exchange grandson, Dr. Felix Krainski, of San Diego, Calif.

Visitation will be held at Ferry Funeral Home on Sunday, Nov. 12, from 5-7 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 13, at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Worsley Cemetery, Bronaugh.

Memorial donations can be made to Worsley Cemetery or the Bronaugh United Methodist Church in care of Ferry Funeral Home.

You may view obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com.