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Evelyn Mae Foat
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The world's best angel food cake-maker, Evelyn Mae Foat, 89, of Freeport, died Sunday, December 21, 2014. In her last days, she was surrounded by her adoring husband of 67 years, Delbert L. Foat, as well as her children, grandchildren and other loved ones.

Evelyn was born on July 21, 1925, in Jo Daviess County, the daughter of Ralph and Lucy (Hudson) Baysinger. She grew up on farms in the rolling hills of northern Illinois, where she liked to go fishing and hunt mushrooms with her best friend Rosie and attended County Schools.

After she married Delbert Foat on November 21, 1947, Evelyn dedicated herself to farming and raising three incredible children. If thousands of chickens and little ones weren't enough, she was also a consummate cook, quilter, card player and arm wrestler, much to the embarrassment of one of her grandsons.

After Delbert and Evelyn retired from farming, they lived in Orangeville, where they were members of the Orangeville United Methodist Church. In 1999, they moved to Freeport to be closer to family. Evelyn's last years were spent hosting visits from grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who were always greeted with a big hug and their favorite meal on the table.

She is survived by her husband, Delbert Foat of Freeport; two sons, Galen (Carolyn) Foat of Webb City, Missouri and Merlyn (Linda) Foat of Freeport; one daughter, Susan (Damon) Hernandez of Mesquite, Texas. Also surviving are 10 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother and one sister.

Memorial services will be 11:00 a.m. Friday January 2, 2015 at Orangeville United Methodist Church. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until the time service at the Church. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established for Orangeville United Methodist Church in Evelyn's memory. Please sign the guestbook and share a memory at www.burketubbs.com.