Eva L. Mader, age 90, went to be with to be with her Lord and Savior in Glory on August 27, 2021 at Campbell County Memorial Hospital.
She was born the youngest of five on December 6, 1930 to Ira B. and Graphia M. (Mewhirter) Wilson on Duck Creek, Wyoming on her Dad’s ranch. She grew up there and attended high school in Gillette, Wyoming. After graduating in three years, she attended summer college in Spearfish, S.D. to obtain her teaching permit. In the fall of 1948, at the age of 17, she began her teaching career at the Heald School (east of Weston), where she taught for one year. Her kids there called her “a princess” since she followed an elderly teacher. She was snowed in at the school that first year for several weeks (the winter of 1949). Her brother-in-law Gene Warlow hired a plane to fly out and check on her and also her folks at their ranch. He buzzed the school and dropped a loaf of homemade bread to her that was still hot and she said many times, “nothing ever tasted so good”!
Bob Mader and Eva were married on June 4, 1949. This ended the necessity of opening and closing 22 gates each way every time he went to see her. They moved to the Gilstrap place north of Gillette (now owned by Scotts) where she taught the Butte School and Bob worked for Lynn Tarver. In the spring of 1950 they leased the Keuhne place north of Rozet. The John Nolan place on Little Powder overlapping the Montana/Wyoming state line was a place that Bob had always liked. This ranch became their home in the fall of 1950. Bob and Eva raised their family there, and Mom lived on the ranch more than 71 years.
Mom drove bus for as long as any of us kids could remember, from the time she took Justin to school in 1957 until she retired in 2008 at the age of 78 for health reasons. She truly loved all her kids and often told stories about them. She always said the school bus driver was the most well informed person in the community and that she hauled the only irreplaceable possessions her neighbors had.
She was the best Mom, wife, homemaker, and bus driver ever. She was known in the community as an outstanding cook. She followed in her mother’s footsteps because she was embarrassed if anyone stopped by and she did not have homemade cookies ready.
Mom was a real giver and often gave away things she really treasured. She willingly sacrificed for her family all her years, and even went without wearing her diamond wedding ring for seven years because the cost of having the prongs repaired ($7) “would pay for ½ an acre of land”.
She was loved by everyone who knew her for her always loving, giving, optimistic and stabilizing ways. She was a solid spiritual influence in the lives of many.
What most people don’t realize is how hard she worked along with Dad to raise seven kids without many of the modern conveniences we now know. Each of us kids are so grateful for, and aware of, her back breaking work and sacrifices. Even when she could not do much for herself, she often would ask, “What can I do to help you?” or “What could I have ready for supper?”. She was never heard complaining, but was always grateful for all she had, especially for indoor plumbing, hot water and electricity.
Eva was preceded in death by her parents Ira and Graphia Wilson, In-laws John and Arzell Mader, Husband Robert, Siblings Viola, Gertrude, Jessie, Duglas, and several nephews.
She is survived by children Justin (Janet) Mader of Gillette, Wyoming, Arnie (Denise) Mader of Biddle, Montana, Craig (Debbie) Mader of Stephenville, Texas, Foreman Mader of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Marilyn Mader of Lame Deer, Montana, Rebecca Mader of Weston, Wyoming, and Lody (Lance) Mader Dye of Camdenton, Missouri. She is also survived by seven grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren as well as many nephews and nieces. In addition, she is survived by special friend Alice Remley and caregiver Ada Miller.
Funeral Services will be held at Little Powder School, Weston, Wyoming on Saturday, October 23, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. Graveside service and Interment at Bowers Creek Cemetery, Biddle, Montana immediately after, with pitch-in meal to follow at the school.
Memorials in honor of Mom suggested to Little Powder School PTO scholarship fund or Biddle Hall Heritage Center. Please write the check to your charity of choice and mail to: Mader Memorial, P.O. Box 301 Biddle, MT 59314.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Saturday October 23, 2021
Little Powder School
15902 State Highway 59
Weston, WY 82731
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Lance Clark says
Beccy, Lody, Foreman and Mader families:
I am grateful in knowing Eva! I’ll always smile remembering Eva answering the phone and I responded it was Lance…and she’d share a few words that were meant for Lody’s Lance…:)
On the way to Colorado three months ago, I got to see Eva in Gillette.
On behalf of my Mom and me, my heart, thoughts and love go out to your entire family.
The celebration of Eva’s life is and will be great. Although, I will be unable to attend in your day of remembrance, know that I’m there with you.
Hold on to the great treasures and memories! As you’ve said a few times, she’s with your Dad and in your rightful place in Heaven!
Blessings to each of you and peace beyond imagination!
Lance Clark, Bozeman
Darlene Clark, Miles City
Vanna L. Byrd says
Mader Family,
My most sincere condolences on your loss. May God Bless and Comfort you!
Vanna
Sharon (Harvey) Borla says
I am so sorry to hear of Eva’s passing. She was such a kind-hearted and hard working lady and always wore a smile. Mom frequently commented that she and Eva were among the last remaining of their generation from the community. My sympathy and prayers for comfort to her loved ones.
Cindy Carter Burris says
Thoughts and prayers in the time ahead. She raised some great family members.
Jane Thompson says
So sorry to hear of Eva’s passing and sending love to all the family. She ministered to many throughout her time on this earth.
Laurie Janssen Claypool and family says
To all the Mader children, grandchildren and relatives, so sorry for the loss of your wonderful Mother, Grandmother! What an amazing woman who raised such an amazing group of people!
I enjoyed getting to know Eva, as Marilyn and I are friends and classmates! Hope onto all your special memories! Love and hugs to you!
Laurie Claypool
Flint Fleming says
Foreman, sorry to hear about your Mom, God Bless!
Shelli Mader says
Eva was always so kind to me! Since I married her grandson 18 years ago, she would call at least every month or two to let me know she was praying for us and our kids. She and her daughter, Beccy, never forgot a birthday and always sent a card or called. Eva will be missed!
Sherrie Bassett Fredrickson says
Eva will truly be missed! What a grand lady! She was fun to talk with and I loved her sense of humor. You could tell she lived her best life. She always had a fun story to share and genuinely cared for others. She ran her race and finished the course. She kept her faith and is now resting with “Our Lord Jesus Christ”. Until we meet again.
Sheila Haselhuhn says
I remember your mom telling me that Seth ( our new baby at the time) was a wonderful and Biblical name! She was such a thoughtful, hard working woman. May her love surround you for years to come.
Steve Barbour says
Although I never had the opportunity to know your mother well, I do remember meeting on a few occasions. It is never easy when our parents pass on to Glory, but it can be comforting to know they get to meet Jesus before we do. My condolences to all of the Mader family.
George Birtic says
Very sorry Marilyn to hear of the passing of you mother. I cancertainly see that she was an awesome mother.
I am so so sorry for this loss.
George Birtic says
Very sorry to hear of the loss of your mother Marilyn.
Lisa Gaskill says
To the Mader family, I am so very sorry for your loss. I know you will all cherish the many memories you have of your mom, grandma, aunt. Blessing to all.
Sharon & Kendrick Redland says
WE never met Eva but in knowing Craig Mader, we know that she raised an amazing human being who’s turned a lot of hearts to the Lord, she must have been an INCREDIBLE WOMAN ! Our thoughts and prayers are with those who were blessed to know her !
Jennifer Pitter says
Working with Ms. Eva all these years has showed me how she’s such a wonderful, respectable, god loving person. She has touched my soul and will continue to. May she Rest In Peace.
Cathie Silano says
I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to meet Eva (and the rest of their friends) for my mom’s high school reunion in 2010. Eva graciously opened her home for us to spend a night with her. Eva and my mom (Mary Ellen Huston) reminisced about growing up, ranch life, old friends and good times. What a sweet lady she was. They’re in heaven now and no longer in pain. Beccy, I’m grateful to have met you. You were a blessing to your mom and an awesome daughter!
Wade Charnock says
Foreman… just read this and it’s almost Christmas in Clarksville, Tennessee. Will never forget Spring Break in Weston all those years ago! Your Mom and Family were all awesome! Blessings to all of you! And Merry Christmas to your mom on Heaven!