Margaret Meissner Evans' Obituary
Margaret Meissner Evans was born October 28, 1929 in Chatham, NJ to Charles and Elizabeth Meissner. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Oberlin College, where she met Frank Evans. In 1953, they married and she began her career teaching science. Together Marge and Frank raised four sons in what she called their “home among the hickories.” When Frank started Four E’s Christmas tree farm to put the boys through college, Marge made wreaths, a pursuit that grew into a retail business called the Greenery. She spent much of her free time outdoors, gardening, walking in
the woods, and meditating by her rock at Finley Creek. She had a knack for identifying bird calls and hunting morel mushrooms.
Along with family, Marge devoted her life to nature and community. She was a den mother for the Cub Scouts and organized Sangamon River cleanups. She championed causes including the Lincoln Trail Homestead State Park, the Macon County Conservation District, and the Mental Health Association. With her sister, Elizabeth Gaynor, she restored and supported the Northrup Hill School in New York, where their mother once taught. A lifelong learner, Marge was active in the same study group for fifty-four years. She taught classes in environmentalism, authored four books, and became a certified Master Gardener and Master Naturalist. Her work was recognized with several honors, including the Service to Mankind Award from the Sertoma Club of Decatur and the MCCD Trustees Award for Outstanding Achievement in Conservation.
She was preceded in death by her parents, sister, husband, and grandson Daniel Evans. Surviving are: sons, Larry (Wendy) of Missoula; Ron (Ginger) of Decatur and their sons Phil (Catie) and Ken (Laura); Don (Helen) of St. Louis and his children Micaela (Peter), Holly (Randy), Grace (Drew), and Luke; and Steve (Nancy) of Phoenix and their children Sara (Caleb) and Ben (Lindsey); as well as sixteen great-grandchildren.
The family would like to thank the fine folks who helped care for her, especially Angels Among Us, Hands of God Hospice, and Sonya. A celebration of life gathering will be held on Thursday, January 15, 2026 at Rock Springs Nature Center from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Donations can be made to the Macon County Conservation District—or just plant a native tree in her memory.
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