Mary Evelyn Worley, 95, of Montgomery City, died on Saturday, August 27, 2022 at the Columbia Post Acute in Columbia, surrounded by family.
Evelyn was born on February 22, 1927, the daughter of James Douglas and Hazel Harriet (Duckworth) Butner. Evelyn graduated from New Florence High School. She later married the love of her life, Lee Roy Worley. After Lee Roy finished serving his country in the United States Army, he and Evelyn got married and settled down in New Florence to raise their large family of seven children.
Evelyn enjoyed life to the fullest. She enjoyed spending time fishing at one of her favorite places, the Gasconade River. Her and Lee Roy had a place in Fredericksburg, where they spent a lot of time together fishing, boat riding and hosting fish frys and BBQ’s. Together, they ran Worley’s Pizza and Steakhouse for 25 years.
Lee Roy and Evelyn served together in the New Florence Community Club, New Florence Lions Club, the Old Settlers Association and the local VFW. Evelyn was baptized at an early age at the New Florence Baptist Church, where she was still an active member until her health declined.
Her family was always her top priority. She made sure there was always plenty to eat when anyone stopped by for a visit. Evelyn always cooked a full Sunday lunch up until this spring.
Evelyn is survived by a sister, Kay Lewis of Montgomery City; and a brother Larry (Mary) Butner of New Florence; seven children, Alan (Barbara) Worley of Bland, Tom Worley of New Florence, Betty (Bobby) Bonney of Montgomery City, Bob (Joyce) Worley of New Florence, Mary Beth (Dan) Adelsberger of Wright City, Jill (Dave) Burch of Montgomery City and Jackie (Alan) Weber of Hermann. Evelyn and Lee Roy were blessed with numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, plus many nieces, nephews, numerous family members and friends.
Evelyn was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Lee Roy Worley; father, James Butner; mother, Hazel Butner; brother, J.D. Butner; siblings, Betty and Milton Zimmerman, Homer and Evelyn Worley, Kenneth and Margie Worley, Bob and Mary Arens, Manuel Potthast, George Tuma, Joe and Pauline Huffman, Owen Grotewiel, Aubrey and Winona Deeker and Dave and Carol Worley.
A celebration of life will be held at the New Florence Baptist Church in New Florence on Sept. 3. Services will be officiated by Pastor Brian Larkin and Ryan Hadden.
Visitation will be held from 9 a.m.-11 a.m., followed by the service at 11 a.m.
A lunch will be provided at the New Florence Community Building for anyone who would like to come. Wear casual clothing, bring your lawn chairs and spend the day with family members and friends in celebration of Evelyn’s life.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributing to the New Florence Baptist Church Kidz Night program or to the Hugo Cemetery Association, in care of Schlanker Funeral Home, 207 Danville Road, Montgomery City, MO 63361.
