Rebecca Sue McEvoy

Rebecca Sue (Hanks) McEvoy was born in Decatur, Illinois, in 1943 to John D. Hanks and Norma J. (Schultz) Hanks, passed away Sunday, October 4, 2026. She was confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church. She graduated from Lakeview High School in 1961, during which she was a synchronized swimmer at the YWCA and studied German at Millikin.

She graduated from Millikin University after having worked at Mississippi Valley Structural Steel. She became a caseworker and eventually a manager at the Illinois Department of Public Aid/Health and Human Services. She formed close, lifelong friendships there that lasted past retirement.

She was involved in the community through Junior Achievement, Jaycees, and other activities with her husband, Mark H. McEvoy, whom she married in 1975. They both loved pinochle and had a close group of friends with whom they played often. Before she became a manager, she was involved in unions, AFSCME.

She loved colorful clothes and sewing. She also loved cooking and cookbooks. She took great joy in watching her youngest daughter play softball and her grandson play sports. She loved animals, especially turtles and dogs, of which she had many, and rescuing sea turtles. Reading was her favorite pastime. She loved traveling with her husband to auctions and Florida. After retirement, she loved traveling with her friends both in the U.S. and Europe. She loved the outdoors, having grown up on three acres. The family is proud of her, and she will be missed by many.

She is survived by her brother, Paul Hanks; her daughter, Amy McEvoy; her daughter, Susan Renee Ferre and husband, Scott; her grandson, Joshua Ferre; and her grand-dog, Paco.

She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; two brothers, John T. Hanks and Richard D. Hanks; and multiple beloved pets, especially Hattie and Moo.

Special thanks from the family to Memorial Lung Center and Dr. Nachef. Also, special thanks to Cancer Care and Dr. Ontiveros.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. on Monday, October 12th, 2026, at Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home in Decatur. The funeral service will immediately follow at the funeral home at 10:00 a.m., with burial afterward at Friends Creek Township Cemetery in Argenta.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Lakeshore Paws, 4611 Evans Ave. Valparaiso, IN 46383 or to any Sea Turtle Rescue shelter of the donor’s choice.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family through Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Homes at www.brintlingerandearl.com.