Lena Evelyn (Noyes) Richey, 79, of Marshall, IL, passed away Thursday, June 23, 2022, at 2:06 PM at the home of her daughter and son-in-law. Evelyn, as she liked to be called, was born October 25, 1942 in Memphis, TN to Martha (Mathew) Noyes and Harold Noyes, both formerly of Marshall. On August 24, 1959 Evelyn married Ronald D. Richey, who preceded her in death November 24, 2013. Surviving are their 5 children, several grandchildren and great grandchildren; siblings, Harold (Patty) Noyes, Louise (Bee Belle) Dill, Pat Schickles and Linda Troxel. In 1948 Evelyn, her mother and siblings moved to Marshall from Memphis, TN to reside in the home of her grandparents, William and Carrie Bell Mathew, on N. Michigan Ave. It was Evelyn’s grandmother that encouraged her to start piano lessons at a young age. Later on she also learned to play the organ. She played both piano and organ throughout her life at many local weddings and funerals, and at various local churches. She especially liked volunteering to play music at Burnsides Nursing Home, in later years at Villas of Holly Brook and briefly for two senior facilities in North Carolina. She loved that she could connect with people through music. For several years she also played organ at the Clark County Fair between races and for special events. In her youth, Evelyn also played clarinet and especially enjoyed playing in the Marshall High School Marching Band and for a short time in the Marshall City Band, under the direction of Mr. Arney. Some will remember her as “Music Maker”. She enjoyed living “in town” while she was young. She spoke many times about walking to school and the group of friends growing as they all made their way there. In the 1960’s Ronnie “told” Evelyn he had made arrangements for the family to move to the farm, east of town. She said she cried for days. However hard a farm life is they had a good one. Evelyn was a great cook, taking many meals to the field and making sure a hot meal was on the table at night. Over the years they were canning and freezing so much of their garden produce they were able to share with all their children and their families. In later years Evelyn worked with Doris in the salon at Burnsides Nursing Home then worked in the activity department, from which she retired. Evelyn and Ronnie moved from the farm, back to Livingston, in 1993. Evelyn and Ronnie loved Southern Gospel music and followed several groups that came to perform locally. It was something they truly enjoyed doing together. Evelyn was an avid reader and regular patron of the public library. She also especially enjoyed feeding and watching birds. Though in her last years she was not in her own house, she was truly part of her daughter, Jan’s and son-in-law, Scott’s home in North Carolina, which was also near her daughter, Teresa. Evelyn continued making many memories and every moment was celebrated. Services in honor of her life will be Thursday, June 30 at 3:00 PM CST at Pearce Funeral Home with Pastor Tim Duke officiating. Burial will be in the Livingston Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday, June 29 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM CST at the funeral home. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Marshall Public Library or the Marshall City Band which may be sent to the funeral home. Online condolences are being accepted at pearcefuneralservices.com.