Mary Ellen Evans

Mary Ellen Evans, 89, of Rantoul, passed away on Monday, April 27, 2026. She was born in Loda, IL, on December 25, 1936, the daughter of Daniel and Leona Jacobs. She married Howard C. Evans on May 3, 1956, and they spent 61 wonderful years together before his passing in 2017.

Mary Ellen is survived by her children, Jeff Evans, Janelle (Andrew) Cahoon, Jill Evans, Jadon (RoseMary) Evans; grandchildren: Christina Cahoon, Ross Cahoon, Jeremy Evans, Danielle Evans, Austin Evans, Nicole Reed, Alex Evans, Sean Evans; 6 great-grandchildren; and one brother, Robert “Bobby” Jacobs.

She is preceded in death by parents, daughter Joy Evans, and siblings, Clyde “Bud” Jacobs, Doris Pritchett, Bill Jacobs, Ralph Jacobs, Judy Fry, John Jacobs, and Kenny Jacobs.

Mary Ellen had a gentle spirit, which was shown in her love for gardening, baking, and spending time with family.

Mary Ellen Evans will be remembered as a kind and caring person whose heart was always with her family and her hobbies that brought her joy. Her presence will be missed by those who had the pleasure of knowing her.

A service honoring Mary Ellen’s life will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center’s Lux Chapel, 1551 E. Grove Ave. Rantoul, IL 61866. Following the service, she will be laid to rest at Maplewood Cemetery. Visitation will be held immediately before the service from 10-11:00 AM at the funeral home.

Memorial donations may be made in Mary Ellen’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Please join Mary Ellen’s family in sharing memories, photos, and videos on her tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.