Evelyn Ratay, 98, of Eddyville, Kentucky, formerly of Collinsville, Illinois, passed away on December 11, 2021.

Evelyn was born October 6, 1923, in Knob Lick, Kentucky, to Weeden Alexander and Dora Malinda (Lambirth) Beard. During her working years, she worked as a seamstress for several dress factories.  She was a member of the Meadow Heights Baptist Church of Collinsville for many years.

She enjoyed square dancing, was an avid bowler, and used to love fishing and being on the lake with her family.  Her family loved being with her and enjoyed her happy attitude.  She loved making quilts for her family and also made enough to donate to hospitals and those in need.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her husband, Stanley Ratay in 2008; son, Stephen Wells in 2020; sister, Mary Edna South; and brothers, Robert Beard and Herbert Beard.

Survivors include her daughters:  Rebecca (James) Shimkus of Eddyville, Kentucky, and Nancy (Harry) Nicol of St. Augustine, Florida; daughter-in-law, Mary Wells of Shiloh, Illinois; sister, Ruth Huffman of Glasgow, Kentucky; 6 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; and 4 great-great grandchildren.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, December 18, 2021, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at Sunset Hill Funeral Home, 50 Fountain Drive, Glen Carbon, Illinois. Funeral service will take place at 12:00 p.m. with Jim Robinson officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Hill Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Meadow Heights Baptist Church or Collinsville Faith in Action.