Evalene Marie Rowley
Born: April 29, 1953 in Channahon, IL
Died: January 8, 2026 in New Buffalo, MI
Evalene Marie Rowley, born and raised in Minooka, Illinois, passed away peacefully at home on January 8, 2026, at the age of 72. She was the beloved wife of Frank Rowley Sr., loving mother of Frank Rowley Jr. (Brittney) and John Rowley (Masha), and cherished grandmother to Keegan, Tanner, Katya, and Michael. She is also survived by her brothers, Dave and Larry Crater, and many nieces and nephews whom she dearly loved.
Evie dedicated her life to caring for others as a nurse, specializing in cancer research at the University of Chicago, before retiring from Illinois Masonic Medical Center in Chicago. Nursing was her calling, and her compassion touched countless lives.
After retirement, Evie and Frank made their home in New Buffalo, Michigan, where she loved the outdoors, especially riding her bicycle, tending her flowers, and watching the birds and ground squirrels in her yard. She also adored her two beloved dogs, Lucy and Annie.
Evie and Frank were active members of Sawyer Highlands Church and Converge Church. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
To honor Evie's life, the family invites those who wish to donate in her memory to Sawyer Highlands Church (Missions). Donations may be made at https://sawyerconverge.churchcenter.com/giving

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Herald-News on Jan. 13, 2026.

Memories and Condolences
for Evalene Rowley

Sponsored by Starks Family Funeral Homes & Cremation Services - Sommerfeld Chapel Sommerfeld Chapel.

11 Entries

Kevin Seavitt

January 17, 2026

I used to tell Evie that she was my "Spirit Human" She was a light. A beacon. Someone I wanted to be more like. Generous, energetic with a kindness that elevated every situation she was involved in. And you were lucky to just to be there with her. She was a powerhouse and often my parter in crime -- who was always game. The interests that we shared were limitless, including excellent plays, cross country skiing, a fascinating, art exhibition. The list goes on and on. I have great ideas but get lazy with the execution of making them happen. Not Evie, she would get on it with full force and find the best tickets, for the best price, and just make it come to fruition, seemingly effortlessly. Boy, will I miss her, but I thank God for the time we had together and her goodness, that I will carry in my heart, forever.

Kevin Seavitt

January 17, 2026

Cheryl Wentzel

January 16, 2026

Evie was a member of my Outdoors Women's group and her smiles and sweet demeanor made every difficult hike easier. Her strength and determination that got her through her amazing bicycling endeavors undoubtedly also shone through as she prepared herself to enter heaven's gates. She told me she was ready and it would be soon. I'm taking comfort knowing she is at peace and that she left such a beautiful legacy.

Frank Rowley

January 16, 2026

She had the best time every time!!!

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Janet Frageman

January 15, 2026

Heartfelt condolences to Frank and the entire family. I will always cherish the friendship I shared with Evie. We were truly sisters in Christ.

I met Evie in spin class at the YMCA, and from the start I admired her enthusiasm, her genuine spirit, and her love for life. She inspired me to stick with spin classes and to begin bike cycling. I was always amazed by the many bike tours she completed and the joy she found in every ride.

We shared so many interests-stories about our children and grandchildren, gardening, motorhome camping, workouts at the Y, and our cancer journeys-but most importantly, we shared a deep love for Jesus Christ and a desire to follow Him faithfully.

Eventually we texted daily about life´s happenings and family pictures. Evie would often say to me, "I love your life!"

When I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2022, she told me she would pray for me-and she truly did. Our friendship grew even stronger, and when she was later diagnosed with cancer, I was blessed to reciprocate with prayer and friendship. We shared Bible verses daily and encouraged one another constantly. One of our favorite verses was:
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."Joshua 1:9 (ESV)
I had this verse printed on a blanket for Evie to comfort her as she went through her bone marrow transplant in August 2024.

Our cancer journeys deepened both our friendship and our faith. I was blessed to attend a prayer gathering at her home before her transplant and to share several uplifting visits with her afterward. As she recovered, Evie continued to live out that verse-strong and courageous-and in 2025 she even returned to Boot Camp classes.

She was also determined to complete a cycling race in Oregon in July 2025-the final state she needed to fulfill her goal of cycling in all 52 states. Just before her trip, her doctor told her the cancer had returned, but that she was healthy enough to go. Evie simply said she would deal with the cancer when she got back. I kept her in my prayers the entire time.

I was blessed to visit Evie on December 23, 2025. We wished each other a Merry Christmas and read Bible verses together, rejoicing in the hope and promise of eternal life through Jesus. On January 4, 2026, she sent me this text:
"Happy New Year!!! God is so good to let us see another year.Happy about you hiking! Nice day for it-my brother came up. It was a wonderful visit!Today friend cutting my hair I hope Love you sister."
That was the last message I received from Evie.
She passed peacefully in her sleep on January 8-swiftly, gently, and pain-free. Thank You, Lord, for answered prayers. Evie´s faith has now become sight, and I hold fast to the promise that I will see her again.

I certainly miss our daily interactions; yet I have lots of memories to fill my heart.

Lori Vandenbrink

January 14, 2026

The world lost a sweet one!
I'm forever grateful to have crossed paths with Evie. Our long distance friendship started from a call about a bike tour in 2024. During the initial call, or subsequent ones we discovered that her grandson, Keegan and my son, Tobin had MTB raced together. It's a small world. She grew to be a text pal, friend, and riding companion. After her diagnosis, I supported her from afar with optimism and digital bouquets. My mom had also been through AML. This past July I joined her, and her friend, Sandy for a couple days of the Oregon Crater Lake tour that she took with the company I work with. It was glorious...and an experience I will remember forever. I'll take her memory along each time I ride, or assemble a backyard bouquet. May your spirit soar in eternal peace, dear lady!

Susan Moore

January 13, 2026

Evie was a cherished friend since Highschool. We played clarinet together, and later bonded while raising our young children. Loved her sense of humor and zest for life.

Vickie Mohundro

January 13, 2026

Evie was a funny, loving & a strong woman that overcame a lot of obstacles in your life but made it through all of them! I knew she would be a great Nurse, so much love to give!
My condolences to her family, she will forever be loved & missed

Cathy Green

January 13, 2026

God rest your soul in peace, Miss Evie. I enjoyed in meeting you. My husband loved you so much that he decided to join you in heaven. Now you both can exercise together. Love Cathy Green