Bonnie "Joan" Evans

Bonnie “Joan” Evans, 95, of Marion, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at Linn Manor Care Center. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at Marion Avenue Baptist Church located at, 215 S. Marion Avenue, Washington, Iowa. Visitation will begin one hour prior to services. Burial will follow at 2:30 p.m. at Keokuk National Cemetery in Keokuk, Iowa. Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Marion is assisting the family.

Joan was born on February 3, 1931, in Argyle, Iowa, the daughter of Pearl and Irene (Wilsey) Jeffers. On May 26, 1949, Joan was united in marriage to Harold Morris Evans in Argyle, Iowa, until his death in 1996. She began her working years as a Candy Striper, volunteering to sit with hospital patients, offering comfort and companionship. She then worked as a switchboard operator, eventually becoming secretary for a telephone office. She also found joy in pet-sitting and raising dogs.

Joan loved reading, tending to roses, and traveling with her sisters. Above all, she treasured time spent with her grandchildren, who brought her immense pride and happiness. She truly never knew a stranger, greeting everyone with openness and kindness.

Her faith in Jesus Christ was a cornerstone of her life. Joan was very active in her church, serving faithfully in the bus ministry, Sunday school, and choir. Her home was always open, especially to missionaries, as she joyfully extended hospitality to all who came her way. She was an avid soul winner, devoted to sharing her faith, and even in her final years, she faithfully witnessed for Christ. Joan will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Joan is survived and lovingly remembered by her daughters, Shonna (Dave) Smith of Iowa, Glenda (Harris) Pappu of Tennessee, and Terry (Rex) Hamm of Illinois; seven grandchildren, Davina (Daniel) Bottrell of Kentucky, Jeremy (Stephanie) Smith of Iowa, Jamie (Robert) Hall of Tennessee, Jason (Dawn) Hamm of Illinois, Adam (Michelle) Hamm of Iowa, Juston (Jenny) Hamm of Kentucky, and Abraham (Jessica) Hamm of Kentucky; 31 great-grandchildren, and seven great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Harold; infant, Lana Irene; and siblings, Gertrude, Mary Liz, Jeff, Neva, and Bill.