Evelyn Louise Kershaw

Evelyn was born March 23, 1930 in Carlyle, IL to Waldo St. Clair and Lucinda L. (Jones) Smith.

She married Elias Samson Rose and together, they had four children. They later divorced and he passed on February 12, 2008. She married Walter Richard Kershaw on February 15, 1967 and together they had one child. Walter passed away on August 10,1971.

She was also preceded in death by her infant son, Robert Rose in 1953; and siblings, Imogene Mathenia, Waldo Smith and Annamae Thompson.

Surviving are her children, Elizabeth (Jack) Studley of Cheyenne, WY, Sam (Debbie) Rose of Freeburg, IL, Karen (Randy) Collinsworth of Oldsmar, FL, and Roger (Rebekah) Kershaw of Pinellas Park, FL; eight grandchildren, Kelly Vazis of Cheyenne, WY, Amy (Dan) Surdam of Cheyenne, WY, Jennifer (Scott) Martin of Troy, IL, Michael (Jamie) Rose of Highland, IL, Angela (Richard) Carter of Clearwater, FL, Bridget (Patrick) Bennett of Tarpon Springs, FL, Corey Kershaw of Pinellas Park, FL, and Jordann (John Jr.) Della Monica of Kingsland, GA; and sixteen beloved great-grandchildren.

Years ago, she waitressed tables at several area restaurants, including the Davis Cup and Grant’s. Evelyn then worked as a “Lunch Lady” in Belleville area schools and retired from the cafeteria at Henry Raab School, a job she dearly loved. Her strong work ethic was evident throughout her life and she admirably passed that trait down through the generations of her family. She cherished her family and the time they spent together. She will be truly missed by all who knew and loved her.

The family would like to share a special thank you to the entire team at Freeburg Care Center, for the care and compassion shown to Evelyn in the last few years. Memorial donations may be made to the Freeburg Care Center Activity Department or to the American Diabetes Association.

A funeral service for Evelyn will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. at Valhalla Gaerdner Holten Funeral Home in Belleville, IL.

A visitation will be held two hours prior to the service, from 9:00 A.M.- 11:00 A.M. at the funeral home. Pastor Jack Studley will officiate. Final interment will be held at a later date at College Hill Cemetery in Lebanon, IL.