Evelyn Augenstein (81) of Strasburg

Evelyn Augenstein, 81, of Strasburg, IL, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 27, 2024.

She was born on June 16, 1943, to Howard and LaDon (Long) Louthan. Evelyn graduated from Neoga High School and went on to attend Eastern Illinois University. On January 17, 1965, Evelyn married the love of her life, Kenton Augenstein. Together they built a life filled with love, faith, and family just shy of their 60th wedding anniversary. Evelyn never knew a stranger. She had a gift of hospitality and everyone that walked through her door felt welcomed and she always had a plate of warm cookies or a meal ready for you. She enjoyed life to its fullest and was always up for a good time. Evelyn loved acting silly, wearing funny hats, and playing tricks on people. The first year Kenton and Evelyn were married, she played an April Fool’s joke on him by putting salt in the sugar bowl. That was the first and last April Fool’s joke she played on Kenton. Evelyn was well known in the Strasburg community and was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. Evelyn worked at 1 st National Bank of Mattoon, Cumberland County State Bank in Neoga, Strasburg State Bank, and Shelby County State Bank during her career. Evelyn was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Stewardson. She was involved in and held offices in multiple organizations including Stewardson-Strasburg School Board, American Business Women’s Association, Community Banker’s Association, American Legion Auxiliary Unit #289, and VFW Post #4829 Ladies Auxiliary. Evelyn enjoyed time spent with her grandchildren and great grandchildren, teaching them all how to bake cookies. She traveled with her husband, Kent, to Texas in the winter months to escape the cold Illinois winters. In Evelyn’s later years, you could always find her with a broom in her hand sweeping the decks and carport often chasing you with the broom.

Evelyn is survived by her loving husband, Kenton, who has been her caretaker for many years during her long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Other survivors include daughter, Kathy (Wally) Frost of Strasburg; son, Brad (Kristie) Augenstein of Strasburg; five grandchildren; Charles “Trey” Frost, Allie Nixon, Taylor (Kelsey) Frost, Brittani (Dalton) Mette, Kourtni (Taylor) Kerner, and Gage Augenstein; eight great grandchildren, Brinley, Blake, Eva, Emma, Rowan and Kenton Frost, Eila Kerner, Harper Mette, and baby Kerner due in May 2025. Also surviving are her siblings, Jim (Janice) Louthan, Tom (April) Louthan, and Betty (Bill) Myers; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; in-laws, Charles and Geraldine Augenstein; her brother, Chuck Louthan; and sister-in-law, Billie Mae Louthan.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Stewardson, IL, with Pastor David Weaver officiating. Visitation will be held on Monday, December 30, 2024, at Howe and Yockey Funeral Home in Strasburg from 4:00-7:00 p.m. and one hour before services on Tuesday in the church. Memorials can be made to Alzheimer’s Association, HSHS Hospice or the American Legion Auxiliary Unit #289 in Strasburg, IL.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the 5 th floor hospital staff at HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital and the caring staff at HSHS Hospice Care for their loving care during the past several months.