Evelyn J. Lepper

Evelyn Joyce Lepper, 95, of Selma, IA passed away on Sunday, September 13, 2026, at the Parkview Care Center in Fairfield, IA. Funeral services honoring her life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at the Selma United Methodist Church with Diane Bales officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Moriah Church Cemetery near Douds immediately following the service. A visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 22, 2026 at the church and will last until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Evelyn’s honor may be directed to the Eldon Senior Meals, Mt. Moriah Cemetery Association or to the Selma United Methodist Church and may be mailed c/o Cranston Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 189, Fairfield, IA 52556. Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Evelyn Joyce Lepper was born on June 20, 1931, in Selma, IA to Arthur Ralph and Gwendolyn Dooley Lepper. She graduated from Selma High School before attending Parson’s College where she received her teaching certificate. She then furthered her education at Drake University in Education. Evelyn’s heart was always with the kids. She was a 2nd grade teacher in Fort Madison for many years before moving to Waterloo where she continued as a 2nd grade teacher until her retirement.

With retirement Evelyn decided to return to where she called home. She moved back to Selma and became actively involved in the area. She was a member of the Selma United Methodist Church where she held many offices. Evelyn was a regular at the Eldon Senior Meals and was always known for her famous jokes and riddles. Evelyn was an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan and loved to watch Caitlin Clark, sparking her continued interest in the WNBA. She enjoyed feeding and watching all birds but was especially fond of the Baltimore oriole. Evelyn helped to shape the minds of many children in her time as an educator. She will be deeply missed by her family and many friends she made along the way.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents, and two brothers -in-law, Don Horton and Tommy Thompson.

Left to share her story is her sister, Phyllis Thompson of Fairfield, IA; her nephew, Dr. JayD (Jan) Horton of Texas; a niece, Jolene Horton of Florida, as well as many extended family and friends.