Evelyn Cunningham Close

Evelyn Colleen Hoover Cunningham Close, 95, passed away on February 10, 2024 in Marshfield, MO.

Evelyn was born in Elkland, MO, on the family farm on February 23, 1928 to Hiram & Ruth Hoover. She was the oldest of six children. She attended a one room school taught by her father.

On February 2, 1946 Evelyn married Charles Cunningham. They had three children starting in 1948, Jacqueline, Julianne, and Allen, all born within a four year stretch, at which time they moved to Perryton, and back to Missouri and finally back to Perryton in 1952 where they settled with their young family. The family was active in the First Christian Church, where Charles was on the building Committee when they built the new church on Jefferson.

Evelyn married Bob Close in 1982. Evelyn and Bob lived in Perryton until 1992, when they moved to Marshfield, MO. They were then active in the Marshfield Christian Church. Evelyn became a “professional” volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House and Mercy Hospital, where she rocked premature babies, after Bob’s death in 1998. She also spent time traveling with family to Switzerland, Norway, Paris and Hawaii.

Evelyn was preceded in death by Bob Close, her parents, a brother James Elbert, sister and brother-in-law, Marilou and Jim Cunningham, brother-in-law, Loren Fair, sister-in-law, Marthann Hoover, son-in law, Carl Ellis, granddaughter, Amy Ellis Oliver, nephews, Isaac Figgs andAdam Hoover and niece, Sharon Henson.

She is survived by Jacqueline (Dale) Naylor of Balko, OK , Julianne Ellis of Imperial Beach, CA, Allen Cunningham of Marshfield, MO; grandchildren Kevin (Shelby) Ellzey, Courtney Ellzey, Joel (Emily) Oliver, Brian (Jennifer) Ellis, Braden (Maria) Naylor, Jessica (Bronn) Gibson, Joanna (Joe) Hughes and Skylyr (Chanelle) Cunningham and Natalie (Jose) Gomez; sister, Melba Fair, brother, George (Pat) Hoover, brother, H.D. (Myrene) Hoover; step-children, Paige, Lee & Paris Close; 20 great grandchildren; and 13 nieces and nephews.

Evelyn’s favorite word was “JOY”. She always had a smile on her face and brought a smile to so many people. She always had a positive attitude, and her motto was “Be Happy” no matter the circumstances. She always said that there is something to be thankful for. She loved her friends and family dearly. She was very proud of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Family suggests memorials be made to the Ronald McDonald House, 949 E Primrose St, Springfield, MO 65807.