Eva Scouffas

Eva Belle (Karva) Scouffas, 91, died August 27, 2016, at Pioneer Ridge in Lawrence, KS.

She was the first child of Anton and Belle Karva, born on July 1, 1925, in Urbana, IL. She was a graduate of Urbana High School where she lettered in basketball and graduated with honors. Eva attended the University of Illinois on an academic scholarship where she studied French. She met John Scouffas just before entering college and left when they decided to marry. Eva and John were married in Mineral Wells, TX, where John was stationed before leaving for duty in Europe during World War II. They were married on December 25, 1943.

After living in New Hampshire for 10 years, Eva and John returned to Urbana with their children. When her youngest of five children started school, Eva worked as a secretary at Webber Elementary and Yankee Ridge Elementary Schools in Urbana. She worked for District 116 for more than 20 years.

Eva was also very involved in her community. She served as President of the Urbana School District PTA and Webber School PTA. Eva volunteered as a Cub Scout den mother and at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. She also served on the Urbana Park District’s Community Advisory Board and for many years served as a volunteer poll watcher for numerous elections. She felt strongly that voting was a duty, not a privilege.

Her greatest joy, however, was her family! Travel and camping were also very high on her list of favorites. John and Eva travelled to Greece twice and all over the United States. Her most favorite place on this earth was Dead Swede Campground in Wyoming’s Big Horn Mountains. She loved sleeping in a tent, hiking, trout fishing and just being in the beautiful mountains with her family. She was an active camper until her late 70s. She gave all of her children and grandchildren a great appreciation and respect for nature. In later years she enjoyed watching college basketball — especially the Illini and her adopted Jayhawks.

Eva was preceded in death by her husband, John; son, Timothy; brother, John; sister, Betty Karva Faust; granddaughter, Mary; and great-grandson, Alexander. She is survived by her son John Richard (Mary Ellen) Scouffas, Palo Alto, CA; son Nicholas (Sherry) Scouffas, Oak Park, IL; son David Scouffas, Hayward, CA; daughter Anthea Scouffas (Sharon Graham), Lawrence, KS; and grandchildren Rick (Debbie) Scouffas, Walnut Creek, CA; Heather (Shawn) Maylen, San Jose, CA; Nick (Michelle) Scouffas, LaGrange, IL; and Beth (Brad) Mann, Western Springs, IL. She is also survived by her brother, Tom (Ann) Karva, Plantation, FL; sister, Joan Serio, Yorba Linda, CA; and nine great-grandchildren.

She will be greatly missed by all!

Memorial services will be held this fall in Urbana. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to either the Lawrence Public Library or the Urbana Free Library.

7 Condolences

  1. Joseph Feola on August 30, 2016 at 5:34 pm

    Sorry for your loss



  2. Tim Weston on August 31, 2016 at 1:23 pm

    Eva was one of my Mom’s table mates in the Pioneer Ridge dining room. She was always kind and gracious when I visited with her, and I know Mom will miss her company. My condolences to her family.



  3. Cathy Dempsey-Szekely on September 2, 2016 at 5:34 pm

    Eva Belle was a very special person. I appreciate having the opportunity to spend many dinners with the Scouffas family many years ago and how fascinated I was that she could always hold her own in such deep conversations ( many in which she held her own strong opinion) especially with all the men in the family! She taught her only daughter Anthea to do the same! As a young woman trying to find my way, Eva Belle shared her wisdom with many times and I truly admired her strength. Eva Belle left a mark in my life and I will never forget what a beautiful and smart woman she was. God Bless the Scouffas family during this difficult time.



  4. Tammie Lovett on September 7, 2016 at 6:33 am

    I went to Webber School and had the pleasure of meeting Eva at a young age – I specifically remember her smile and her kindness. I also got to see her later through life and she always talked to me – what a wonderful lady. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.



  5. Judi Kutzko on September 7, 2016 at 11:44 am

    I’m so sorry to read about Eva’s passing. She was a remarkable woman and a wonderful neighbor. Sending sympathy to all the family…..
    Judi, Mitch, and Sean Kutzko



  6. Teresa (Burwell) Twigg on September 13, 2016 at 11:22 am

    Ann,
    I was so sorry to read about your mom passing away. I have such fond memories of you, playing at your house when we were younger and of your mom in the school office at Webber. Wow, the years have flown. Having lost my dad back in 2015, I know the sadness that comes from losing a parent. I pray for healing for you and your family and as you continue to take care of the matters that follow.

    Take care Ann, again, so very sorry…

    Teresa (Burwell) Twigg



  7. Nancy Keller on September 24, 2016 at 11:31 am

    To the Scouffas family: So very sorry for your loss. Working with Eva all those years was a pleasure. I’m sure you all will miss her very much. She would tell me about all of the adventures she, John and the family had, she had a very full and happy life. I will miss her letters at Christmas time catching up on the year’s activities. Please know you all are in my prayers and thoughts. Nancy



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