Ruth Evelyn Kaufman, 87, passed away peacefully in her home on Monday, February 12, 2024. Evelyn was born in Decatur, to Ruth Rose-Edgecombe and Ira Edgecombe on September 30, 1936. She was an amazing woman who excelled at any tasks she took to heart. She spent her youth on the farm working side-by-side with her parents while all the time observing and studying the world around her. She had a knack for taking those observations and using them to create, teach, and apply them to all she did. Evelyn attended Eastern Illinois University studying Home Economics.
Evelyn worked hard to ensure her children had what they needed to grow and prosper. Education was important to her. When she felt the local school system was not providing adequate schooling for students with learning disabilities, she ran for School Board and became one of the first female School Board members in the Argenta-Oreana school system with a goal to ensure all students received the education they deserved; a mission she was very proud to have spearheaded.
She held several jobs throughout her lifetime and retired from the USPS where she served as a rural mail carrier. She was a master quilter and member of the Decatur Quilters’ Guild.
When it came to her children, Evelyn was the first to be there for them. While she put priority on their well-being and education, she also let them run free to play and explore the family farm knowing sometimes an education can be found outside of books and four walls. Time with her grandchildren was special to her and she treasured every minute with them. She also enjoyed the company of her many nieces and nephews.
Most of all, she loved and adored her husband, Wayne. They shared a beautiful life together for 55 years building a home, raising children, and spending time with family and friends.
Graveside services will be 11:30 AM Thursday, February 15, 2024 at Friends Creek Cemetery, Argenta, IL with Pastor Bob Baker and Falisha Kaufman officiating. Visitation will be 10 – 11 AM Thursday at Calvert Funeral Home, Argenta, IL.
Memorials may be directed to Memorial Home Service Hospice.
She married Wayne Kaufman on October 7, 1956 in Argenta, Illinois. She is survived by her daughter Karen Kaufman of Argenta, son Dan Kaufman of Springfield, and son Brad (Falisha) Kaufman of Argenta. Also surviving are sisters-in-law Betty Hilbrant of Lexington, Kentucky, Wanda Lewis of Forsyth, Illinois, Maureen Kaufman of Argenta, Illinois; grandson’s Jesse Kaufman, Hunter Kaufman, Samuel Kaufman; granddaughters Myra Kaufman, Danielle Chick, Evelyn Jewell Kaufman; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Richard Edgecombe, her husband Wayne Kaufman, and her son Douglas Kaufman. The family would like to express thanks to the staff at Decatur Memorial Hospital, and Memorial Home Services Hospice team. They would especially like to share much love to Falisha Kaufman for her time assisting her sister-in-law Karen with caring for Evelyn in her last year of life.
Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com
