Eva Pearl (Oathout) Neal was born on December 19,1927 on the farm home in Grant County, Oklahoma. Eva was the baby of eight children born to Jettie Lee and Minna Gertrude (McAdams)
Oathout. She had three brothers and four sisters - Lee Estil, Mildred Gertrude, Justina Maxine, Thelma Mollie, Jettie
Edgar (J.E.), Charlie McAdams, and Opal Lois. Eva departed her earthly life of 93 years, to enter eternal life with her Savior Jesus Christ, on December 19, 2020.
Eva attended country school through 8th grade and went on to graduate from Caldwell High School Class of 1945. She had many good memories of her high school years, such as yodeling on the stage. She was Caldwell’s first prom queen and a cheerleader.
After high school she taught for one year in a one room schoolhouse. She went on to attend Wichita Business College then began a long career of 40-½ years at the Caldwell State Bank. During her years at Caldwell State Bank, she served as a teller and then head cashier, she loved serving the community.
On August 2nd, 1950, Eva was united in marriage to her loving life partner and best friend Robert Eugene Neal, better known as Bob, at the Caldwell Christian Church. They enjoyed 60+ years of wedded bliss. Their life began on the Neal Farm north of Caldwell. Eva worked side-by-side with Bob on the farm, running errands, delivering milkshakes and driving the tractor.
Bob and Eva were blessed with three children, Kurtis Lee, Shirlee Kim and Kristi Sue. They were very supportive and never missed an activity that their children or their grandchildren participated in. Eva made sure every birthday and holiday was special, but Christmas was her favorite. She would hang a stocking for each of her children to great-grandchildren, 38 in total, filled with special treats and gifts, creating a very crowded but beautiful fireplace mantel. She would lovingly cook grand holiday dinners for her family with her delicious Thanksgiving dressing being their all time favorite. Through all the years of watching her make this treasured dish, her family continues to struggle to replicate it. She had a special way of making every grandchild feel extra special. Eva would call and sing Happy Birthday to each family member on their birthday, and treat them with her delicious homemade ice cream on July 4th.
Eva had many talents her family will remember including excellent cooking, the occasional yodeling, and a particularly fine tuned comedy skit with her sister Opal. The family rolled with laughter as Eva and Opal preformed “Horith, the Family Pet” at many Oathout Reunions.
During retirement she enjoyed playing golf, traveling and camping with Bob and following her grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren’s, sports events. You could often find her at a casino with family and friends and was known to “hit it big” playing the penny slots and never spending more than $20 at a time.
Eva loved sitting on the porch enjoying conversation with family and friends that would frequently visit. Every visit would start with, “Well how are you? It's sure good to see you,” and a big smile. After a visit, Eva would stand in the doorway and wave as her children and grandchildren left, never going inside until they were out of sight, and a habit the whole family has since continued on.
Eva was preceded in death by her husband Bob Neal, her parents, 3 brothers and 4 sisters.
Eva is survived by her son Kurt Neal and wife Debbie of Caldwell, KS., daughter Kim Gracy and husband Doug of Shawnee, KS., and daughter Kristi Teeter and husband David of Caldwell, KS.; eight grandchildren: Tracy Neal of Caldwell, KS., Tobi Wood and husband Dewayne of Blackwell, OK., Travis Neal and wife Christie of Enid, OK., Lindsey Keith and husband Dustin of Shawnee, KS., Ryan Gracy and wife Chelsea of Shawnee, KS., Megan Quillin and husband J.J. of Shawnee, KS., Kaile Crawford and husband Brian of Shawnee, KS, Mason Teeter and wife Kati of Caldwell; and eighteen great-grandchildren: Trenton Neal, Trevor Wood, Tori Wood, Ty Neal, Ally Neal, Reese Neal, Brody Eaton, Gracy Eaton, Maisy Keith, Banks Gracy, Collins Gracy, Baker Gracy, baby Gracy arriving in May 2021, Lyndi Quillin, Eva Quillin, Greyson Teeter, Willow Teeter, Emmie Crawford, and many nieces and nephews.
Eva was loved by many friends and family and will forever be remembered with a smile.
Private family graveside services will be held on Tuesday.
Memorials may be made to the Central Christian Church or to the Caldwell Senior Center and sent in care of the mortuary.
Visitation will be held 1-5 p.m. Sunday and 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday.
Previous Condolences
Heartfelt sympathy and prayers.
MARILYN K BRYAN - 12/22/2020
Praying for comfort and continued love from our Lord. Eva will be missed by so many and yet her beautiful smile and wonderful laugh and love will remain in our hearts forever.
Dear Kurt, Kim and Kristi,
Rosa Beth Burns... - 01/21/2021new
Your parents were among my very favorite adults when I was growing up. Mother (Marilyn Burns) loved Eva and loved working with her. Thank you for the beautiful obituary. Sending healing blessings from the Pacific Northwest.
