Eva Mae McDaniel, age 72, of Walker, Mo., passed away Aug. 20, 2006, at the Nevada Regional Medical Center in Nevada, Mo., where she had recently been admitted after suffering several years with chronic health problems. She was born Jan. 28, 1934, in Denver, Colo., the daughter of Leo O. and Lucy E. (Cruse) Gayman and spent her early childhood years in Denver and at various locations in the Rocky Mountains near Conifer and Pine, Colo. In 1941, Eva, along with her family moved to a farm near Schell City where she attended Flat Rock and Schell City schools. At age 19, Eva was united in marriage to Carl "Butch" Russell and to there union one son, Kelly G. Russell was born.

Eva worked as a seamstress at Key's and Nelly Don's until declining health forced her retirement. She was also a member of the International Ladies Garment Workers of America. Throughout her lifetime Eva loved her family and her church, but most of all she loved children -- all children. She helped rear two nephews, Rob and Matt who were so dear to her heart. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and nieces and nephews and could always be found helping to care for them. Eva also had a tremendous love of reading, enjoyed crocheting, and made many quilts for family members through the years. She will be sadly missed by both her immediate family and her much beloved Church family.

Eva is survived by her son, Kelly Russell and his wife Patti of Walker, Mo.; four grandchildren, Brent Russell and his wife Alicia; Brandi McCullough and her husband Kevin; Mendi Westhoven and her husband Brent; and K.C. Russell; six great grandchildren, Samuel, Avery, Justyce, Dayne, Rees, and Blayze; four brothers, Dan, Dale, David, and Dean Gayman; four sisters, Barbara Gayman, Maria Applegate, Janet Ijams, and Sherrie Daily; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Dennis Ijams and Duane Gayman; one infant sister; and her adopted son, Elmer.

Funeral services for Eva Mae McDaniel were held at 2:30 p.m., Wednesday, August 23, at the church of Israel in Schell City, with Pastor Dan Gayman officiating. Musical selections were provided by the Church of Israel. Pallbearers were Rob Gayman, Jon Gayman, Chad Ijams. Jason Gayman, Matt Gayman, Luke Gayman, Micah Gayman, and Brock Gerster. Honorary pallbearers were K.C. Russell, Brent Russell, Doug Gayman, Justin Applegate, Shane Gerster, and Denny Gayman. Interment was in the Green Lawn Cemetery in Schell City, under the direction of the Lewis-Hoagland Funeral Home in Schell City.