Obituary of Boonie Virginia Evans

Boonie Virginia Evans, 85, of Des Moines, passed away February 27, 2022, at The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa. She was born April 22, 1936, in Columbus, Texas, the daughter of Eddie and Virginia Mattern. Boonie met her future husband, Carl Lee Evans, at square dancing classes offered by a Presbyterian church they attended. At the time she was teaching school in Evergreen, Colorado, and he was studying at the Iliff School of Theology in Denver. While working in Evergreen, Boonie joined a mountaineering club. On one outing a loose boulder crushed an ankle, and Carl helped in her recovery. They were married in Evergreen on July 18, 1964. Following marriage, they spent 15 years in Methodist ministry in South Dakota before moving to Des Moines in 1980. Boonie and husband Carl were long-time members of the Heart of Iowa Chapter of the Good Sam Camping Club. They loved their motorhome and had adventures in all 49 continental states and Canada. For many years they returned to their roots in Oklahoma and Texas to see family, camping on the way. Boonie spent a year abroad in Norway during her college days that had a lasting impact on her world view. This led to significant work with Youth for Understanding, an intercultural exchange program. Over the years Boonie and Carl hosted 13 exchange students, each for 6 to 12 months, from all over the world. Because Boonie and Carl never had any children, these students were especially important to them. Boonie kept in contact with their student friends until only a few years before her death. Boonie was a member of Staves United Methodist Church and enjoyed activities there and at the Eastside Senior Center near her home. She was an incredible domino player. Boonie is survived by several cousins and Carl’s family members. She was preceded in death by her husband Carl. Memorial contributions can be made in her name to the American Red Cross. To share a thought, memory or condolence with Boonie’s family please visit www.gayandciha.com and click on Boonie’s website page.