Eva Mae (Crumbaker) Michaels

Eva Mae Michaels, age 88, passed away on April 4, 2024.

Eva was born on June 24, 1935, in Madisonville, KY, to the late Gordon and Edna Crumbaker. She had an older sister, Nora Kathryn, and an older brother, James Gordon, who passed away as an infant, whom she never got to know. They grew up in a small rural town of Anton, KY where her father worked on a farm and her mom was a homemaker.

Growing up, she followed her "Daddy" everywhere, she was like his shadow. She would often say that she was like her dad's little boy. She would help her dad on the farm by milking cows, planting tobacco, and bailing hay, and when not farming they would go fishing. She would always go to town with him when he needed machinery parts, and on the way home they would stop, and he would buy her a soda pop, candy or ice cream. Her dad always took the family to church, they attended Pond River Baptist Church in Anton, KY.

Eva's "Momma" was a great seamstress, she could sew anything, make her own clothes patterns, and make quilts. Her mom would often make Eva pretty clothes out of colorful feed sacks. So, at an early age Eva came to love sewing too. Her mom was a great cook too, and Eva loved her pies, cakes and especially her yeast rolls with butter.

Growing up on the farm, far from town was a bit lonely, however around the age of five she went to a one room school and loved playing with her classmates in the sand box that was in the corner of the room. Eventually she went to Anton Elementary School, it was small, but it was a lot of fun, it didn't hurt that she was always the teacher's pet. During her 6th and 7th grade she became a cheerleader, but eventually had to step back from it as her family financially couldn't afford to keep buying her shoes for cheerleading as she would wear them out quickly.

Eva adored her older sister Nora, who was six years older. She loved to help their mom in the house. When Eva was around 12 years old, Nora went off to college and became a schoolteacher. Once Nora started teaching, she would buy Eva clothes, and other things, this made her feel "rich" since the family didn't have much money. As adults, she and Nora were very close.

Eva graduated from Madisonville High School in 1953 where she sang in the choir.

In 1954, one of Eva's best friends in high school, Marilyn, and her boyfriend Rex, introduced her to Charles Michaels (at the time she and the family called him Mike and most others called him Charlie). Charlie and Rex were buddies in the U.S. AirForce, they were stationed in Greenland. Rex would bring Charlie home with him on leave, since Charlie's early years were marked by instability of many foster homes, as he had developed a bond with Rex's family. Eva and Charlie's relationship was love at first sight. Eva always laughed about their meeting as she was painting a bedroom in an old pink dress, and he still fell in love with her. Their initial meeting blossomed into a week of profound connection before Charley's duty called him back to the base in Greenland. Despite the distance, their bond deepened through heartfelt letters exchanged over the course of a year. One thing that made a huge impression on Eva was how motivated Charlie was to succeed. What Charlie loved about Eva was her vibrant spirit and beautiful smile. A year later he returned to Madisonville, KY, on leave again. While he was home, they went to the drive-in movies and a commercial came on about solitaire diamond rings and he asked her if she liked that kind of ring, and when she said she did, he reached into the cars glove box and pulled out a ring box and asked her to marry him. She said yes, and they were married a year later on January 21, 1956.

After Eva and Charlie were married, he returned to the AirForce and Eva went with him to Sue Saint Marie, MI for about three months, until he got out of the AirForce and they returned to Madisonville. Their union was a testament of resilience, fate, and the transformative power of finding one's true home in the heart of another. In 1957 they welcomed to this world their daughter, Kay, solidifying their bond as a family.

Wanting to pursue greater opportunities Eva and Charlie embarked on a new chapter in their lives. The family moved to Evansville, IN, where they built a life filled with love, laughter, and shared dreams. Eva's talents as a seamstress flourished as she found her success working as a supervisor in a local shirt factory, while Charlie pursued a career in banking. They each had an unwavering work ethic and uplifting presence always striving to better themselves.

Both Eva and Charlie worked full time as Kay was growing up. Despite the demands of parenthood, Eva's thirst for knowledge remained unquenched so she decided to take some college courses when Kay was small, but realized Kay came first and put college on pause. At 37 she returned to college, and in 1975, Eva graduated from the University of Southern Indiana with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education, the same year as Kay graduated from high school. There were lots of celebrations that year. She continued her higher education and in 1978 graduated from the University of Evansville with her Master of Art degree in Education.

After receiving her undergraduate degree her love for education and sewing led her to a 22-year teaching career at North High School, in Evansville, IN, teaching Industrial Sewing. She felt strongly that Vocational Training opened a lot of doors for students.

Eva was an active member of the American Business Women's Association (ABWA) chapter in Evansville. Eva's outstanding contributions to both her profession and her community did not go unnoticed. In 1977 they awarded her with the Woman of the Year Award, an award given to recognize a member who has made notable contributions and outstanding achievements to the organization and her community. She was also a member of the Evansville Teacher's Association, serving as chairman of the occupational training and homemaking committee; a member of Indiana State Teacher's Association and the National Education Association; and a member of the Evansville Service League, a division of the Boys Club.

Throughout Eva and Charlie's years together, they shared a love of adventure, enjoying leisurely games of tennis, golf, hiking, and fishing.

Eva and Charlie's daughter Kay, moved to Houston TX in 1980. In 1986 she met her future husband, Mike Campbell. They were married in 1987 and lived in Dallas, TX. They loved traveling to Dallas and made many trips to be with them, as often as they could.

Tragedy struck in December of 1993 with the unexpected loss of her beloved Charlie, he was 58. They had 38 loving years together. Eva persevered, knowing she would be a grandma the following July. After Charlie's passing, she found solace in her faith, cherished memories, and the love of her family and good friends.

Not letting any grass grow under her feet, she was always ready to go. She loved to travel with friends to Europe, cruising the open seas, and discovering the hidden gems of Texas. But her greatest source of joy came in the form of her daughter and granddaughter, Bridget, whose laughter and love brought light to Eva's darkest days.

In the spring of 1998, she made a bold move, she sold her home in Evansville and moved to Dallas to be closer to her daughter and granddaughter, embracing a new community with open arms. Through the years she was an active member of Northway Baptist Church, Prestonwest Republican Women's, North Dallas Women's Club, AARP Chapter 1317. She volunteered with the Visiting Nurses in the Meals on Wheels program, volunteered at Nathan Adams Elementary school with book fairs, lunch with the principal, and reading to the children. In 2004 she was awarded with the Texas PTA Honorary Lifetime Memberbership Award, in recognitions of her service to children.

Eva cherished every moment spent with her daughter and granddaughter, creating many cherished memories that would endure a lifetime. Even though Eva hung up her cheerleading shoes in the 7th grade, she continued all her life being a cheerleader to those around her, in fact she was Bridget's biggest cheerleader. Eva never missed a game or an event that she participated in. In Eva's 60s she embarked on a new adventure, Mommy and Me Campouts with Kay, Bridget and her friends and their moms. Despite the challenges of sleeping in a tent, on the ground, she enjoyed every moment, and she loved all the children and the moms. It was during one of the campouts that a delightful mishap occurred, as one of the younger kids thought she was being called "Grandma Evil" rather than "Grandma Eva", a nickname that brought laughter to all. Far from being evil, Eva embodied kindness, warmth, and love, making the playful moniker all the more endearing. Eva's nurturing nature earned her the title of a second mom to many of Kay's friends, while Bridget's friends and other children affectionately regarded her as their cherished grandma.

Eva loved her friends from the Marcus Senior Recreation Center, where she would often go to play cards. She loved to walk and exercise. She was an avid reader, and loved playing Scrabble, Scattergories and Dominos. She loved all kinds of birds but especially hummingbirds and owls. She also loved cats, kangaroos, and elephants. Eva was a huge Dallas Mavericks fan, and tried to never miss watching them on television, always cheering them on.

Eva made a move to the Bentley Independent Living Community in the summer of 2019, this marked another new beginning, filled with newfound friendships. She loved this community, enjoyed participating in the activities offered, church, meals, exercise, arts and craft and bingo. She had a genuine concern for the residents and other's wellbeing. Her vibrant personality and compassionate nature endeared her to all who knew her, brightening the lives of those around her with her infectious smile and unwavering optimism. Whether she was meeting newcomers to the community or lending an ear, Eva's presence brought comfort and camaraderie to all who crossed her path.

Eva's spirit remained undimmed, a testament to a life lived with purpose and passion. Though she may have departed this world, her legacy of love and resilience lives on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her. As she reunites with loved ones gone before, Eva's memory remains a beacon of hope and inspiration, illuminating the path for those who follow in her footsteps.

Eva Mae Michaels left this place surrounded by cherished memories and the enduring love of her family and friends. Her hugs, infectious smile and laughter will be greatly missed.

Eva is survived by her beloved daughter, Kay Campbell, and son-in-law, Mike Campbell, who filled her with strength and great joy. Their unwavering love and support sustained her through life's trial and triumphs, leaving an indelible mark on her heart. Kay and Eva were the best of friends as well as mother and daughter. They often referred to themselves as being like two peas in a pod.

Eva is also survived by her beloved granddaughter, Bridget Campbell, and her fiancé, Kyle Searles, who brought boundless happiness and laughter into Eva's life. She was so excited about their recent engagement. Bridget's presence filled her days with warmth and joy, creating cherished memories that would be treasured for eternity.

She is also survived by her nephew, Dr. Terry Brown, and his wife Jamie of Madisonville, KY, along with her great-nieces, Katelyn Brown Goebel, JD and her husband Dmitriy of Louisville, KY, and Dr. Karah Brown of Lexington, KY. Their love and support were a constant reminder of the enduring bonds of family.

As Eva bids farewell to this world, she was greeted in heaven by a host of loved ones who had gone before her: her parents, Gordon and Edna Crumbaker, her sister Nora Brown, brother-in-law Keith Brown, and her baby brother James Gordon Crumbaker. Their joyful reunion filled the heavens with echoes of laughter, love, and smiles, as they welcomed Eva into their eternal home.

Also waiting to greet her was her beloved husband of 38 years, Charles (Charlie) "Mike" Michaels. Their reunion was a testament to the enduring power of love transcending the boundaries of time and space.

Though Eva's earthly journey has come to an end, her spirit lives on in the hearts of those she left behind. Her legacy of love, resilience and unwavering faith will continue to inspire and uplift all who were touched by her presence. Eva Mae Michaels leaves behind a world forever changed by her boundless love, grace and kindness.

In lieu of flowers, charitable gifts in memory of Eva can be made to the University of Southern Indiana Foundation for the Charles B. and Eva M. Michaels Scholarship Endowment at 8600 University Blvd., Evansville, IN 47712, USI.edu/onlinegiving.

Or contributions can be made to your favorite charity.

Visitation will be held Saturday, 11th of May 2024 at 11:00 AM at Hughes Family Tribute Center.
Services for Eva Michaels will be held at 12:00 PM at Hughes Family Tribute Center with reception to follow.

There will be a graveside memorial in Anton, KY at the Bethlehem Christian Church Cemetery, date to be determined.