Evelyn J Fox

Princeton - Evelyn J. Fox, 91, of Princeton, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 4, 2026, at Goldwater of Princeton, surrounded by her loving family. Born on June 23, 1935, in Seatonville, Illinois, Evelyn was the cherished daughter of Loren and Dorothy (Dennison) Harmon. She attended DePue Grade School and DePue High School, where she formed many lifelong friendships and developed the resilient spirit that would define her life. On December 20, 1953, she married the love of her life, Ivan Fox, at the DePue Congregational Church. Together they built a home rooted in faith, service, and unconditional love until Ivan's passing in 1996. Evelyn was an extraordinary woman whose life was a testament to perseverance, compassion, and unwavering faith. Although she faced the tremendous challenge of blindness, she refused to let her disability define her. Instead, she devoted her life to serving others and enriching her community with her generous heart and joyful spirit. She faithfully served on the Bureau County Senior Citizens Board and volunteered countless hours at the Senior Center. She was a member of the Princeton Christian Women's Club Board, served as Past President of the DePue Junior Women's Club, and generously gave her time as both a Girl Scout and Cub Scout leader. Her greatest passion was serving the Lord through her beloved Princeton Bible Church. Evelyn was actively involved in the church's hospitality and benevolent committees, taught Vacation Bible School and Sunday School classes, organized the church prayer chain, coordinated Sunday morning greeters, and faithfully prepared and served the Hot Lunch Program at Princeton Christian Academy from 1981 until 1987. Her servant's heart touched countless lives, and her quiet acts of kindness reflected the faith she lived every day. In recognition of her remarkable life of service and perseverance, Evelyn was inducted into the Gallery of Ageless Achievers in 2007-an honor that perfectly reflected the impact she made on her community. An exceptional cook and baker, Evelyn was well known for publishing her own special cookbook for family and friends. She delighted in making candy, canning fresh produce, and preparing meals that brought everyone together. She was a devoted Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears fan and found great joy in listening to the games and cheering on her teams. Above all, she loved feeding people. No one ever left Evelyn's home hungry or empty-handed; her kitchen was a place where everyone was welcomed, nourished, and loved. Her greatest joy in life was her family. She adored her son, Jeff Fox, who blessed her with the grandson she treasured, Jason Fox. Following Jeff's tragic passing on April 13, 1986, Evelyn poured her boundless love into Jason and embraced Karen Nyman as a daughter in every way that mattered. Karen remained faithfully by Evelyn's side, sharing life's joys and sorrows, and lovingly cared for her until her final breath. If there was one word to describe Evelyn, it was survivor. She endured unimaginable loss throughout her life, yet she never allowed hardship to diminish her kindness or her faith. Instead, she continued to spread joy, offer encouragement, and make others feel valued and loved. Her strength was inspiring, her generosity endless, and her legacy will live on in the countless lives she touched. She is lovingly survived by Karen (Shawn) Nyman of Princeton, Illinois; grandsons Jason Fox of Bloomington, IL and Bryce Nyman of Princeton, IL; great grandchildren Miyah Fox and Izaiah Fox; brother Ron Harmon of Florida; sister Linda Laszewski of LaSalle, IL; sister-in-laws Mary Harmon and June Harmon; her cherished Princeton Bible Church family; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends Linda Ratliff, Jan Skaggs, Karen Chastain, Nancy Luft, Mary Harmon and Diane Sims. She was preceded in death by her parents, Loren and Dorothy Harmon; her beloved husband, Ivan Fox, in 1996; her son, Jeff Fox, in 1986; her daughter, Connie Fox Schmutz, in 2013; brothers Robert Harmon, Edward Harmon, and Richard Harmon who died in infancy; sister Sally Jo Harmon; and her nephew, Terry Harmon. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at Norberg Memorial Home, Inc. & Monuments in Princeton. Funeral services will immediately follow at 12:00 p.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Curtis Odell of Princeton Bible Church officiating. Graveside services will follow at Oakland Cemetery in Princeton. Memorials may be directed to the family for charitable distribution. Pallbearers will be Shawn Nyman, Jason Fox, Bryce Nyman, Mike Bullington, Arlin Schmutz, Izaiah Fox. Honorary Pallbearers will be Linda Ratliff, Laurie McGraw, Jan Skaggs, Joyce Imsland, Norm Vandermoon, Miyah Fox, and Karen Nyman. Though her family grieves her loss, they rejoice in knowing that Evelyn's faith has become sight. Her life was one of courage, grace, and selfless love. She leaves behind not only precious memories, but a legacy of resilience, hospitality, and unwavering devotion to God, family, and friends. She will be deeply missed and forever lovingly remembered. Online condolences may be directed to www.norbergfh.com Arrangements have been entrusted to Norberg Memorial Home, Inc. & Monuments.

Evelyn J Fox

June 23, 1935 - July 4, 2026