Mary Lois Ewalt passed away peacefully at home on May 22, 2021. She was born on November 1, 1935, in Albia, Iowa to Lois and George Wolter. She married Roy Lee Ewalt on December 22, 1956 and they have 4 children, Johan Christian (Mike Bond) Ewalt, Franz Frederick “Fritz” (Carolyn) Ewalt, Golda Ellen (Bob Streitmatter) Ewalt and George Turner (Mistie) Ewalt. She has numerous grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.
Mary, a Registered Dietitian, retired after 35 years of service at OSF Saint Mary Medical Center where she was the Director of Dietary. She attended Drake University, received her bachelor’s degree from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College and a master’s degree from St. Francis University. She had many professional achievements including OSF employee of the Year in 1993, Mission Implementation Committee Chair, Distinguished Food Service Administrator from the American Society for Hospital Food Service Administrators in 1981 and became a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives in 1994. She lived the OSF Sister’s Mission every day, not only at work, but in her community by serving others with the greatest care and love. She enjoyed community and religious service by being involved in the Altrusa Club of Galesburg (serving as President) and Coldbrook Christian Church where she served as the first female Board Chair. Currently, Mary and Roy are members of First Christian Church of Galesburg.
Mary was very supportive of her family and enjoyed attending her children’s sporting events when they were in high school and college. She loved her Victorian home in Monmouth, Illinois, collecting antiques and family heirlooms. She was an amazing cook and always hosted family gatherings to celebrate holidays and special occasions. She loved traveling with her family and in her younger years enjoyed boating on the Mississippi River and staying at a cabin in Hamilton, Illinois. Mary was a 50-year member of the Eastern Star and a lifetime member of Delta Zeta sorority.
The family wishes to thank Joyce Lightsey, Addus Healthcare and Hospice Compassus for the loving care they provided to Mary and Roy.
Mary’s visitation is at the Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel on June 1, 2021 from 5 to 7 p.m. Memorial services will be June 2, 2021 starting at 11:30 a.m. at the funeral home. A private graveside service for the immediate family will be scheduled for a later date in Knox City, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
