Mabel Evans

Mabel Evans, age 96, of Clarion passed away Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at the USA Health Care Center, Clarion, Iowa.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM, Tuesday, June 12, 2007 at the Clarion Church of Christ.  Interment will take place at Evergreen Cemetery, Clarion, Iowa.

A visitation will be held from 5-7 PM, Monday, June 11, 2007 at the Ewing Dugger Helgeson Funeral Home, 602 North Main Street, Clarion, Iowa, 50525, and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday.

Mabel Elizabeth Lieuwen was born on March 25, 1911 in Hancock County, Iowa.  She was the eighth of eleven children in the family of Teeke Tjaard and Helen (Frey) Lieuwen.  She was born on the family farm three and one half miles west of Meservey.  Her parents were immigrants; Teeke from Terschelling, Netherlands, and Helen from Ostfriesland, Germany.  Mabel often joked that there were so many children that she was called “Baby” until the next baby was expected.  Her brother, George was given the honor of naming her.  

Mabel received a country school education and then her family allowed her to work and board in Belmond so that she could attend high school.  She graduated from Belmond High School with the class of 1928.  Following high school she taught country school at Pleasant Township #6.

On October 5,, 1936, Mabel married Clifton M. Evans in Mason City.  They had met at a dance at Lake Cornelia.  Clif and Mabel made their home in Clarion the rest of their lives.  Four children were born to this union; William J. in 1937, William Lee in 1938, Terry M. in 1939, and Kathryn Sue in 1942.

Mabel was a wonderful homemaker.  She was famous with family and friends for her baking, especially her delicious tea rings.  Her family was her top priority.  Her calm, steady personality kept the home running smoothly; her efficiency and home management allowed Clif to pursue his successful business career.

Mabel was a member of the Clarion Church of Christ, Navy Mothers, and the Kensington Club.  She spent time as a 4-H leader and was a supporter of the Heartland Museum.

She is survived by her children, Bill (Pat) Evans of Costa Mesa, California; Terry (Sharon) Evans of Clarion; and Kathryn Sehnert of Mancos, Colorado.  She also leaves her grandchildren and their families: Bill Evans, Costa Mesa, California; Susan and Rob Meade and daughter, Mackenzie, of Mesa, AZ; Diahann and Mark Russell, daughter, Taylor and son, Ryan of Minnetrista, Minnesota; Todd and Robin Sehnert, and Sons, Brandon, Connor and Evan of Mancos, Colorado.  She is also survived by one sister, Mary Jasperson of Ft. Mohave, Arizona; one sister-in-law, Jenny (Mrs. George) Lieuwen of Belmond, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, C.M. Evans; her son, William J.’ her parents, T.T. and Helen Lieuwen; her brothers, George, Bert, and Don; her sisters, Grace Barkema, Nellie Barkema, Rose Baker, Helen Kelly, Maurine Pals, and Margaret Parker.