Evelyn Arnold

PEKIN ~ Evelyn Arnold, 93, of 1310 Catherine Street, passed away at 8:31 p.m. Wednesday, January 9, 2008 at her home. Born November 25, 1914 in Ramsey to Edmund and Mattie Ann (Bolt) Guthrie, she first married LeRoy McClary on July 16, 1932 in St. Elmo. He died May 25, 1954 in Topeka. She then married Roy L. Hampton on December 1, 1956 in Pekin. He died April 26, 1969 in Pekin. She later married Robert D. "Dutch" Arnold on May 12, 1972 in Rock Island. He died December 3, 2006 in Pekin. She was also preceded in death by her parents, two sons, John "Roger" McClary and Frank E. McClary, one infant step-son, Jon R. Arnold, one brother, and three sisters. Surviving are four sons, Thomas L. (Beverly) McClary of Morton, Harvey W. (Mary Ann) McClary, John R. (Debra) Arnold, both of Pekin and Adolph F. (Debra) Arnold of East Peoria; four daughters, Ruth A. (Don) Durbin, Edna F. Butler, Joan R. (Paul) Browning and Angela M. (Steve Benassi) Price, all of Pekin; thirty-five grandchildren including David McClary, whom she raised, Seventy-eight great-grandchildren and many great-great grandchildren. She also leaves two daughters-in-law, Pam McClary of Pekin and Ruthie McClary. Evelyn was a housekeeper for the Tazewell County Nursing Home from 1952 to 1960. She then worked for Preston-Hanley Funeral Home in Pekin from 1969 until retiring in 1982. She attended the North Pekin Church of the Nazarene. She dearly loved her family and enjoyed playing cards. Her funeral will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, January 13, 2008 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel. The Rev. Roger Davis will officiate. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, January 12, 2008 at the funeral home. Burial will be in Meadow Lawn Cemetery in Manito. Memorial contributions may be made to Harbor Light Hospice, 2000 West Pioneer Parkway, Suite 18B, Peoria, IL 61615. The family would like to thank Ron, Beth, Melinda, Jane and Jan from Harbor Light for their special care and Joyce Howater, Crystal Hodge and Michelle Van Fosson, Evelyn's longtime caregivers.