Evelyn B. Wiley
April 21, 2017
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Service Details
Evelyn Wiley, aged 95, died Friday, April 21, 2017, at Calvin Community in Des Moines, IA. A native of Henry County, Evelyn and her husband Sam raised their family in Cedar Rapids before settling in Des Moines in 1968. Sam died in 2005. They were married 63 years.
Evelyn is survived by her three children: Linda May of Playa del Rey, CA, Jill (Philip Jones), Brockton, MA and Curt (Priscilla Fossum) of Chicago, IL, two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Evelyn was the youngest and last surviving of six children of Fred and Elizabeth Roth Buck of Trenton, IA.
Evelyn cherished a wide circle of friends from her days working at Des Moines City Hall, living on Bel-aire Road, attending Grace United Methodist Church and through her associations with the Iowa Democratic Party and the Order of Eastern Star where she was Worthy Grand Organist in 1976. From a young age, Evelyn played the piano by ear and it was a lifelong source of great joy for herself and the many people who heard her play over many decades. In her later years, Evelyn played piano each week in the lobbies of area hospitals for which she was recognized for her many volunteer hours.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 29, 2017, at Hamilton's Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. Visitation will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. prior to the service. Graveside services will take place Sunday, April 30 at 1:30 p.m. at Green Mound Cemetery near Trenton, IA.
It is suggested any gifts in remembrance of Evelyn be directed to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa or to the Residents’ Activities Fund, c/o Calvin Community 4210 Hickman Road, Des Moines, IA 50310.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Dottie Haley
04/29/2017
Evelyn played the piano on Sundays at Heather Manor, and loved sharing the music with everyone.
I remember, too, that Evelyn and Sam bravely and proudly joined us to picket in protest of the new owners of Heather Manor. My condolences.
Judy (Haley) Wray
04/29/2017
We were privileged to know Evelyn when she lived at Heather Manor. My mother and father, Lucille and Don Haley, were living there also. When we visited from Chicago we enjoyed the Sunday afternoon sing-a-longs with Evelyn playing piano. She also brought her cat in a small cart. My mother would pet the cat during her turn as Evelyn pushed the cart to greet everyone there.
Evelyn was such a great model for everyone.
Our condolences,
Dave and Judy Wray
Lauren Freeman
04/29/2017
I've known Evelyn since October 2015. She made every day that I knew her brighter. She is dearly missed and will never be forgotten. I am sorry for your loss and know she is in a better place playing the piano for Jesus.
June Wiley
04/25/2017
As I am saying goodbye to my dear friend and sister, I am flooded with memories. My heart goes out to you, Linda, Jill and Curt as you work through your loss. Her music will always be in our hearts and memories.
Debbie Pontisso
04/24/2017
To Linda, Jill and Curt:
As you know, your mother and I were close friends for over 40+ years. As I grieve the loss of my dear friend, I can only imagine the heartbreak you are experiencing. I do derive some comfort knowing that she has been finally reunited with her beloved Sam -- her husband and your dear father.
God bless and my sincere sympathy.
Cheryl Bolden
04/23/2017
We should wish that every grown up was as kind to children as Ms. Evelyn was to me as a teen working a summer program at City Hall. She always had a warm smile for me each day I walked into her office. Thank you for sharing her with us.