Eula "Jean" Evans

Eula Jean Fletchall Evans, known as Jean, passed away peacefully on September 23, 2025 at the age of 90.

Jean was born in a farmhouse in Hatfield, Missouri, to parents Elva Elizabeth (Richardson) Fletchall and Cordie Jennings Fletchall. Although a brother, Duain, had been born ten years prior, he died from pneumonia when he was only two years old and Jean was raised as an only child. At the age of five, Jean and her parents moved to their own farm north of Eagleville, Missouri. Being raised on a farm, Jean developed a love for animals, in particular for cats and kittens, who provided her with entertainment and companionship as a child. Jean attended a rural one-room schoolhouse through sixth grade, being the only student in her class, with no more than 12 students in the entire school. She then attended school in Eagleville, graduating from North Harrison High School, having about a dozen students in her graduating class.

After graduating from high school, Jean moved to Des Moines, Iowa, and began working at Banker’s Life Company. It was there that she met her future husband of nearly 65 years, J. Roger Evans. They were married in November of 1957 and remained married until Roger’s death in August of 2022. Jean and Roger had three children, Gregg, Diane, and Stephanie, whom they raised in Altoona, Iowa. They moved to Ankeny, Iowa in 1991 and remained there until moving to their townhome in a retirement community in Waukee, Iowa in 2005. After Roger’s death, Jean moved to Des Moines, where she resided at The Life Center.

While raising young children and managing a household, Jean enrolled at Grand View College in Des Moines and earned her Associates Degree. She continued her education receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in Library Science from the University of Northern Iowa in 1971. Over the years, Jean continued to further her education, taking graduate courses through the University of Iowa.

After earning her Bachelor’s Degree, Jean began employment as a School Librarian, working the bulk of her career with Bondurant-Farrar Community School District, retiring in 1998. Beginning in 1999, she worked part-time as a Librarian at the Kirkendall Public Library in Ankeny. She remained there until moving to Waukee in 2005 and then began volunteering at the Waukee Public Library which she continued for several years.

Jean had many interests beyond working and raising a family. If she wanted something accomplished, she put her mind to it and “got it done” – and did it with an artistic flare. As one might expect, she was an avid reader. She was a gardener, planting and nurturing both flowers and vegetables. She loved to play bridge and belonged to several bridge clubs over the years. Jean was an active member of the First Unitarian Church in Des Moines and for many years belonged to discussion clubs through the church. After retirement, she and Roger held season tickets to the Iowa Cubs franchise, attending games regularly. She also grew her loyalty to the Chicago Cubs and watched them faithfully, thoroughly enjoying their 2016 World championship.

For many years, Jean and Roger hosted annual family vacations in Glen Haven, Colorado, bringing the children and grandchildren all together, creating many fond memories. Their travel also included a winter month in New Braunfels, Texas for several years and a several week tour of Europe. Their favorite vacation spot was Vancouver Island.

In 2003, Jean was diagnosed with a rare degenerative muscle disease, Inclusion Body Myositis. Despite her illness, Jean continued to live an active and fulfilling life. She lived a life full of determination, grit, grace, strength, and love. Her sly sense of humor and quick wit seemed to sharpen even as her body deteriorated. To her final days she remained true to herself and made her wishes known.

In addition to her husband and parents, Jean was preceded in death by all of her husband’s siblings and spouses as well as three nephews.

Left to celebrate her life are her children, Gregg (Wanda Bill) Evans, Diane (Jim Clover) Evans, and Stephanie (Dan Campanella) Evans; her grandchildren, (Gregg’s children) Brian (Sarah) Evans and Erin (Austin) Moeller and (Dan’s daughter), Elliana Campanella; and one great grandchild, Logan Evans. She is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Per her wishes, Jean will be cremated. Her ashes will be interred alongside Roger’s ashes in the Columbarium Wall at Iowa Veteran’s Cemetery in Adel, Iowa. A celebration of Jean’s life will be held at 4:00 p.m. Sunday, October 12, 2025 at the First Unitarian Church, 1800 Bell Avenue in Des Moines, IA.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Jean to The Myositis Association or the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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