Reatha Laverne (Pence) Evans

Reatha Laverne Evans, 93, passed away on Monday, January 10, 2022, at the Lucas County Health Center in Chariton, Iowa.  Reatha was born on May 2, 1928 in Hamilton, Iowa to Jacie Wayne and Mary Ruth (Swim) Pence.  She lived and attended school in Chariton, Iowa.

On June 11, 1944, she was united in marriage to Wendell Keith Gardner and to this union three sons were born, John Lee, James Alan, Michael Wayne.  On March 7, 1954, Wendell passed away suddenly.

On May 15, 1955, Laverne married Harvey Edward Evans, to this union  five children were born, Laura, David, Gloria, Mark and Paul. She and Harvey lived in Chariton and raised their big family.  Laverne was a stay at home mother raising her children was her number one priority.  She enjoyed working in her garden in the summer.  Laverne was an excellent cook, she liked cooking and baking for her family and friends.  No one left hungry when they would enjoy one of her meals. 

Harvey and Laverne were married for 52 years before Harvey’s passing on March 5, 2007.  Laverne was a caring and loving wife and mother.  She always made sure everyone was taking care of and had what they needed. She went above and beyond helping anyone that was in need. 

Laverne took her faith seriously and taught her family the word of the lord.  She was a member of the Christian Union Church.

Laverne was country. She loved country music, putting jigsaw puzzles together and cooking. Cross word puzzles and reading books. She was happy getting meals for her family and friends. Laverne was a special wife, mother, grandmother. She will be forever be remembered and missed by her family and friends.

Laverne is survived by her children, John (Gloria) Gardner of Chariton, Mike (Rita) Gardner of West Des Moines, Laura Thomas of Pella, David Evans of Chariton, Gloria (David) Durham of Pella, Paul (Marta) Evans of Chariton, her sisters, Donna Pfrimmer of Chariton, Rosemary Garrison of Des Moines, Norma Bosley of Des Moines, her several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, 2 great-great-great grandchildren and other family members left behind. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, Jacie and Mary Pence, her husbands, Wendell Gardner, and Harvey Evans, her sons, Jim Gardner and Mark Evans, her brothers, Bill and David Pence.  Memorial may be directed to the family.  On line condolences may be left at www.fieldingfuneralhomes.com.

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