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.jpg) Eva Fay (Dunaway) Fessel, 95, of Olney, died on Thursday, February 20, 2020 at Lavender Ridge in Olney. Eva was born on September 18, 1924 in Decatur, IL, the daughter of Robert Raul and Mary (Weaber) Dunaway. She married Harry Lee Fessel on September 18, 1944 in Colorado Springs, CO, and he preceded her in death on June 3, 1988.
Eva and her husband, Harry, owned and operated Gaffner's Jewelry and Gifts from 1963 to 1994. In the 1990's she was Olney Chamber of Commerce's Woman of the Year and Illinois Museum Association's Volunteer of the Year. Eva was very active in the community; she was active in her church, founding member of the Richland Heritage and Carnegie Museum, volunteered weekly at the United Methodist Village, among other activities. She enjoyed golfing, traveling, quilting, and reading. Eva had traveled all over the world but especially enjoyed visiting her son and family in Colorado.
Eva is survived by her son, Mark Fessel and wife Patty of Olney; son, Bruce Fessel of Olney; grandchildren, Jeremy Fessel and wife Jamie, Brandy Piercefield and husband Chad, and Nicholas Fessel; great grandchildren, Noah, Hunter, Caleb (Kirsten), Zion, and Chloe; and her first great-great grandchild due on Eva's birthday; sister-in-law, Lynn Barber of Lynchburg, VA; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; sister, Ruth Dunaway; and infant brother.
Memorials can be made to Richland Heritage Museum.
A funeral service will be held at 12:00 PM on Tuesday, February 25, 2020 at the Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home in Olney, with a visitation beginning at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow in Haven Hill Cemetery.
Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home, Olney - obituary & photo – February 21, 2020
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Marcella Cummins (Zorn) (1965)
Eva was a wonderful friend to my family. She and Harry Lee were great friends of my parents. In fact, Harry and my dad were high school buddies. They were also in my life from the day I was born. Eva had many gifts. One of them was sewing. In 1951 she made me one of the best Christmas presents I ever received. She sewed a complete wardrobe for my new Toni doll (an early prescursor to American Girl dolls) and packed the clothes in a doll size steamer trunk. It was a little girl's dream present. Later on she taught me all about antiques and refinishing furniture. Eva's greatest gift was the gift of love and friendship. She and Harry were a loving support for my family in good times and especially in the bad years. She remained a stalwart friend to my mother in the years after their husbands were gone. I will never forget her great laugh and her lovely, smiling face. My deepest condolences to Mark and Bruce and all the family. Marcella Cummins Zorn
Patricia Reynolds (Vories) (1969)
Dear Mark and Bruce I have great memories of growing up on the block with you and your family. I’m sad to hear of your loss. You’re mom was a wonderful lady. I’m so glad that I knew her. Patricia Reynolds
Suzi Cammon (1964)
My parents adored Harry Lee and Eva. Theirs was a lasting friendship that never waned with time, nor our move to New Mexico. Eva and my Mother were in the quilting group together at the church and my Dad liked to talk to anyone who would listen - so he found a true friend in Harry Lee. A fabulous couple who were sincere, ethical and honest in all they did. My sympathies to the entire family and loved ones on your loss.