Eva Viola Engle

ENGLE-Eva Viola Engle, aged 101 was born in Berrien County on October 5, 1914, raised in Dowagiac, MI and died in Jackson, MI on Sunday, November 1, 2015. She was preceded in death by her husband of 41 years, Millard; her parents, Ed and Edith Booth her siblings, Frank, Victor, Grace (Lundi) and Al; and a grandson, Daniel Eisele. She is survived by her daughter, Virginia (Russell) Smith of Jackson; son, James (Ingrid) Engle of Weisbaden Germany; three grandchildren, Karen Smith, Alan (Christy) Smith, Aline (Enrique) Santana; five great-grandchildren, Morgan (Tommy) Cook, Elizabeth and Claire Smith, Gabriel and Phillipp Santana; and many nieces and nephews. Eva was a graduate of Western Michigan University and taught in elementary schools for 37 years, starting in rural schools. Her career focused on teaching children to read and the last several years was a reading consultant in Caledonia. She and her husband’s combined years of teaching totaled 80 years. Eva was active in Caledonia UMC, singing in the choir for 40 years and on various committees and activities at church. She was a life member and president of Kent County Retired School personnel, a founding member of the Caledonia Historic Commission, a member of the Federated Women’s Club of Caledonia, was on the Library committee for 20 years and Grand Valley blood program for 12 years. For several years she was Mrs. Claus with the Grand Rapids Santa Claus Girls. Her last 11 years were spent at Vista Grande Villa in Jackson near her daughter and son-in-law. Physical limitations slowed her activities but she remained involved as much as possible. She now rests in the arms of Jesus. Maybe there are some little angels who need help reading! Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 7 at 11:00 am at the Caledonia United Methodist Church, 250 Vine Street with Pastor Jodie Flessner officiating. Interment in Holy Corners Cemetery. Members of the family will receive relatives and friends at the church from 10 am until the time of the service. Donations may be made to the Caledonia United Methodist Church or the Millard and Eva Engle Scholarship Fund/Caledonia Education Foundation.