Evalee Beth Rowlette, 87, of Keokuk, passed away on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, at her childhood home in Keokuk surrounded by her family.
Evalee was born on September 21, 1935, in Keokuk, the daughter of Edward and Mabel Jones. She graduated from Keokuk High School and on February 18, 1954, she was united in marriage to Richard W. Rowlette in Keokuk. He preceded her in death on November 18, 2013.
Evalee was employed throughout Keokuk, working at the telephone company, Montgomery Ward, Hubinger (Roquette) and Headco. She was a member of First Christian Church in Keokuk and enjoyed reading her Bible and singing hymns. A proud Republican, Evalee canvassed houses for the party and was a devout watcher of Fox News. She had a gift for embroidery and sewing, creating clothing and other items for her family. Evalee was sharp as a tack and enjoyed solving crossword puzzles and writing down notes and genealogy for her family. Evalee will always be remembered for her amazing cooking, good sense of humor and “spicy” personality.
Evalee is survived by her daughter Melodie Vradenburg of Keokuk; her “golden” grandson Joshua (Lori) Vradenburg of Warsaw, Illinois; two granddaughters: Danielle (Bill) Boring and Desiree Vradenburg, both of Keokuk; five great-granddaughters: Caitlyn (Kyle) Jacoby of Quincy, Illinois, Breanne (Andrew) Bird of Carthage, Illinois, Olivia Vradenburg of Warsaw, Illinois, Gabrielle Boring of Keokuk and Ava Vradenburg of Warsaw; her great-great-granddaughter Eleanor Jacoby of Quincy; her sister Marilyn Lile of Keokuk; two nieces: Aimee Vance and Lisa Helenthal; and several cousins.
Evalee is preceded in death by her parents; her husband Richard; her daughter Gretchen Rowlette; two brothers: Warren and George (Velma) Jones; son-in-law Pat Vradenburg; her sister-in-law Leora (Bill) Vance; and her brother-in-law Everett Lile.
A private burial will be held at Keokuk National Cemetery.
Memorials may be directed to PAWS Animal Shelter.
Tributes and condolences may be left at www.dejongsfuneralhome.com.
DeJong-Greaves-Printy Funeral Home of Keokuk is in charge of arrangements.
