September 18, 1927 – August 14, 2025
Eva Stansbury, 97, of Boone, passed away peacefully on August 14, 2025.
Eva May Stansbury was born on September 18, 1927, in her childhood home in Fort Madison, Iowa, to John and Addie (Seager) Sherwood. She was the second youngest of eleven children.
As a young adult, Eva became known as the family pie baker—a role she embraced with joy. Her skills in the kitchen grew, and her home was always filled with the warmth of sweet treats and good conversation. She loved sharing recipes with friends and family and often contributed her favorites to church cookbooks. No one ever left Eva’s home hungry.
Eva had a deep love for music and delighted in sharing her talents. She created cherished memories through her years of playing the accordion, piano, organ, harmonica, and guitar, filling her home and gatherings with song.
On July 4, 1947, Eva married the love of her life, Marion Eugene Stansbury, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Fort Madison. Together they moved to Boone to be near the railroad where Eugene worked. They raised six children, two of whom sadly passed in infancy.
Eva is preceded in death by her husband, Marion and two infant sons. She is survived by her four children; Shirley Stansbury of Boone, Robert (Theresa) Stansbury of Le Grand, Iowa; Marion Jr. (Karen) Stansbury of Loveland, Colorado, Darin (Kristie) Stansbury of Williamsburg, Iowa; fourteen grandchildren; thirty-two great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.
Eva’s love extended far beyond her immediate family. She played an active role in the lives of her many nieces, nephews, siblings, in-laws, and even foster children. She kept close ties with extended family and friends through heartfelt letters, especially to her sisters and cousins. Thanks to her efforts and spirit, both the Sherwood and Stansbury families continue to gather for reunions to this day.
A woman of many passions, Eva spent time raising and selling birds—a hobby she truly enjoyed. She is survived by her macaw, Chief, who is 30 years old and a testament to her love for animals.
Known lovingly as the “bird lady,” Eva was also deeply involved with Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Her faith was central to her life. She volunteered as a Eucharistic minister and was an active member of the Altar Society. Eva was known by many, especially her grandchildren, (who she also taught), for making special rosaries. These she would hang on a wall in her home for anyone to take. She touched so many lives by sharing her faith, in this and other ways.
Eva’s legacy of love, kindness, and generosity will never be forgotten.
A visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at Schroeder-Reimers Memorial Chapel, 1006 6th Street, Boone, Iowa. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 915 12th Street, Boone, with Rev. Timothy Johnson officiating. Burial will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Boone.
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