Published on May 27, 2025 6:20 pm
Last Updated on May 28, 2025 6:14 am
Evalia “Bibi” Gonzalez Van Arnam, age 91 of Newton, Illinois, passed away at 3:05 AM – Sunday May 25, 2025, at Lakeland Nursing and Rehabilitation in Effingham, Illinois.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 AM- Friday, May 30, 2025, at Saint Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Newton, Illinois, with Father Pawel Luczak celebrating mass. Visitation will be held from 10:00-11:00 AM at the church. In loving memory of Bibi memorials may be made to the Jasper Post #20 American Legion. Arrangements are in the care of the Meyer Funeral Home in Newton, Illinois. Condolences may be left at www.meyerfh.com
Evalia better known as “Bibi” was born on June 25, 1933, in Zacatecas in the country of Mexico the daughter of Izmael and Herminia (Romero) Gonzalez. She married Franklin “Frank” Delano Van Arnam on March 19, 1970, and he preceded her in death on June 10, 1997. Bibi was a member of Saint Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Newton, Illinois and the Jasper County Home Extension. She enjoyed playing bingo, painting and making pottery.
Bibi is survived by:
Nieces – Janet McDaniel (Jim McHugh) of Effingham, Illinois; and Maria (David) Reis of Sainte Marie, Illinois; Great Nieces and Great Nephew – Alexandria (Adam) Ruiz, Nicholas Reis, Brianna (Matt) Hecht, Adriana (Braydan) Bushue. Several other nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews also survive.
Bibi was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sister and best friend Imelda Strelka along with 2 sisters, 4 brothers and niece Gina Westray