Merla F. (Lohnes) Evans

Merla F. (Lohnes) Evans, 90, of Pekin, formerly of Tremont, passed away Tuesday, February 2, 2021 at her daughters’ home in Pekin.

She was born June 9, 1930 in rural Tremont to Clarence “Jeff” E. and Gayle M. DeWeese Hicks. She married Walter “Jake” Lohnes and he passed away February 1, 1971. She later married John L. Evans on July 8, 1978 in Pekin, and he passed away April 21, 2007.

Surviving are one daughter, Janet (Steve) Jacobs of Pekin; one daughter-in-law, Sharon Lohnes of Tremont; three grandchildren, Shawn (Angela) Jacobs, Rob (Clay) Lohnes, Tracey (Tony) Carlson; 10 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one son, Terry Lohnes, and one sister, Betty Wheeler.

She was a farmer’s wife while married to Jake and retired form Pekin Insurance.

Merla was a member of the United Grace Methodist Church in Pekin.

She enjoyed playing the piano with her father, who played the fiddle, at various square dance events, enjoyed playing scrabble, cooking, baking, and spending time with her family.

Her funeral will be at 2:00 pm Friday, February 5, 2021 at Davis-Oswald Funeral Home in Tremont. Pastor Eric Swanson will officiate. Visitation will be from 1:00 to 1:45 pm Friday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin.

In Lieu of flowers memorial may be made to Grace United Methodist Church Food Pantry.

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