Longtime Alpha Resident Evelyn Barton Dies at 102

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Evelyn J. Barton, a lifelong resident of Alpha, Illinois who was active in the community for over a century, passed away on March 30, 2026 at the age of 102. Barton was a homemaker and assisted her late husband in his auto body business, in addition to volunteering as a cub scout den mother, 4-H leader, and cook for Alpha Mobile Meals.

Why it matters

Barton's passing marks the end of an era for the small town of Alpha, where she was a fixture in the community for decades. Her life and service exemplify the values of small-town America and the importance of volunteerism and civic engagement.

The details

Barton was born on the family farm near Preemption, Illinois in 1923 and graduated from Viola High School in 1941. She married Lawrence Barton in 1942 and they were married for 79 years until his passing in 2021. In addition to her homemaking duties, Barton assisted her husband in his auto body shop as a bookkeeper and ran errands. She was also an active volunteer, serving as a cub scout den mother, 4-H leader, and cook for Alpha Mobile Meals.

• Evelyn J. Barton was born on December 13, 1923.
• Evelyn married Lawrence Barton on June 27, 1942.
• Lawrence Barton passed away on July 16, 2021 after 79 years of marriage.
• Evelyn J. Barton passed away on March 30, 2026 at the age of 102.