It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Evelyn Kay Gurley, age 85, of Mill Shoals, IL, on August 25, 2025.
Evelyn was born on February 24th of 1940 in Mill Shoals, IL to Madge Endicott and James Endicott. She grew up in St. Louis, MO alongside her sisters Shirley and Doris Endicott and brother Jim Endicott. Later she married Donald Sturgess and together they had Donald (Andy) Sturgess and Alison Lynn Sturgess. Later she married again, the love of her life, Kenneth Lee Gurley and remained married until his death in 2006. Together they had their daughter, LeAnn Kay Meier (nee Gurley). Together, Ken and Evelyn had six children including Kay Moxley (nee Gurley), Keith Gurley, and Stephen Gurley.
Evelyn retired from Ralston Purina at 52 years old after working there her whole career. She regularly donated to women’s shelters and the boys and girls club.
She is survived by her loving children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Daughter Kay Moxley (nee Gurley) and her children Kristina Bennett and Jeff Moxley. Son, Keith Gurley, his wife Tracey Gurley and their children Jessica and Jim Thacker, Tyler and Mary McCready, Cody Gurley and Alizibeth Gamble. Son, Stephen and his wife Adrienne Gurley and their children Matt and his wife Samantha Gurley, daughter Mallory Gurley. Son, Donald (Andy the prince) Sturgess and granddaughter, Madeline Kay Sturgess. Daughter, Alison Lynn Sturgess and granddaughter Sarah Lynn Childs (nee Sturgess) and her husband Scott Alan Childs and great grandchildren Brody Alan and Blaze Alexander Childs. Daughter, LeAnn Kay Meier (nee Gurley) and husband John Charles Meier and grandchildren, Braden Lee Glass, John Frederick Meier, Shane Patrick Glass, and Joshua Charles Meier.
Evelyn was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Kenneth Lee Gurley in 2006. She will be remembered for her kindness, love, generosity and her love for sweets and a home cooked meal. Evelyn loved her family more than anything, she especially enjoyed being a grandmother She was her happiest when she was surrounded by all of her family and closest friends. She loved to take care and serve her family; it was her biggest accomplishment. Her favorite hobbies were reading especially on the beach, watching SVU, 60 Minutes and Seinfeld, playing cards and golf.
Visitation will be held at Kutis Funeral Home on Lemay Ferry on August 29th, 2025 from 6-8pm. The funeral service will be held at the same place August 30th, 2025 at 8 am with burial to follow at next location of Mount Hope Cemetery at 9 am.