Margaret (Mudgie) Lucille (Dewell) Eaton, Age: 103
Send Flowers
Nov 25, 1919---Jun 22, 2023

Margaret (Mudgie) Lucille (Dewell) Eaton passed away peacefully, surrounded by her children on June 22, 2023, from complications of pneumonia. She was 103 years old.

Mudgie was born on Nov. 25th, 1919, to Ralph and Dorothy Dewell in Fowler, KS. She was the 2nd oldest of 10 siblings. When she was in the 5th grade, her family moved to a farm in Pritchett, CO. When she was a sophomore, she moved back to Fowler, KS and graduated from Fowler High School in 1937.

In 1938, she enrolled in St. Anthony’s Hospital School of Nursing in Dodge City, KS and received her “RN” in 1941. She married her high school sweetheart, Jim Eaton, a Staff Sergeant in the US Army, the same year. After the war ended, they made their home and raised their family in Fowler, KS, owning and operating the Eaton Food Market for 27 years.

In 1973 they sold the grocery store and moved to Louisa, KY to be close to their daughter Kathie and their grandchildren. Jim was a partner in the Best Western Motel in Louisa and served as its manager until his retirement in 1983. In 1996, they moved to Lenexa, KS to be close to their sons Robb, Kim, and their families. She was an avid fan of the KC Chiefs and KU Jayhawks.

Mudgie was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Jim (2001), and 6 of her siblings: Mary, Bill, Lyman, Alden (Duke), Hal, and Jimmy. She is survived by one brother, Ray, and two sisters, Marceline Hoffman and Pat Fisher. She also leaves a daughter, Kathie Brizendine (Tom) of Lee’s Summit, MO, and sons Robb Eaton (Lisa) of Lenexa, KS, and Kim Eaton (Cynthia) of Grandview, MO, as well as 7 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.Mudgie was known for her deep faith in the Lord. She was baptized in Christ on April 6th, 1947 at the Christian Church in Fowler, KS. Since then she has been a faithful servant and lover of God. Her Bible was tattered, well-worn, underlined and written all over. She demonstrated her love for the Lord in the ways she served others - hosting Bible studies, visiting people in the hospital, cooking meals, sending support for widows/those in prison, sharing her faith, etc. The list goes on and on! She could hardly wait to see her Savior’s face. Today she’s enjoying the Holy Presence of the Lover of her soul!

The family requests in lieu of flowers that donations be made in memory of Mudgie to her home church, Foundry Church, 8835 Lackman Rd., Lenexa, KS 66219, in c/o FORGE Scholarships, a scholarship program for young people who wish to go into Christian Ministry. Graveside service to be held in Fowler, KS. Date TBD.


Condolences

Melissa Jun 28, 2023

George’s daughter ,San Pedro ,California

My family loved Mudgie and visiting with her became a regular part of our trips to Kansas City. Her special bond with our dad and her caring, kindness and respect for all at GV were inspiring. I will miss her warmth, wit, and sparkle. Melissa

Dee Dee Dewell Jun 29, 2023

Niece ,Fowler ,Kansas

I’m sending my deep condolences and big hugs to all the family. Aunt Mudgie was such a special person, so faithful, loving, giving and kind. She has indeed gone home to our Savior and now rests with Uncle Jim and all the other family and loved ones who welcome her. My prayers are with you all! Much love, Dee Dee

Kent Dewell Jun 29, 2023

nephew ,Omaha ,Nebraska

I was only 10 when Mudgie & Jim moved away from Fowler, so my memories 50 years later are a bit vague. I do remember enjoying visits to their house on Church Street just west of the football field. But mostly I remember talking with Mudgie on our trips to the grocery store. There was always a smile on her face and a twinkle in her eyes. The adjective I've always associated with Mudgie more than any other person I knew was "gracious". I don't believe I ever heard her say an unkind thing about another person. My heartfelt sympathies go out to all of you dear cousins. Mudgie was one of the really, really good ones and I feel so fortunate to have known her. She will be so missed at the Dewell family reunions.

Nikki (Sumner) Banning Jun 30, 2023

friend ,Hutchinson ,Kansas

OMGoodness 103 ?? Mudge (& Jim) was such a part of my upbringing in Fowler, KS — such a wonderful lady & fam — they were my Endeavor Group (Sunday night church youth) leaders & I looked fwd 2 every Sunday evening — condolences 2 Kathie, Rob & Kim — just think of ALL the Fowler people she’s having a ball visiting with ??

Sandy Thiele Jun 30, 2023

Friend ,Durant ,Iowa

We all loved Mudge. She and my sister, Linda Boniger, were very close. Linda passed away about 8 years ago. We had Bible study at Mudges house when my husband and I lived in Overland Park, KS. Yes Mudge loved the Lord with all her heart, her actions, her knowledge would tell you just how much. Mudge you are so missed, but we know your with our Saviour.

Lori Chance Humphreys Jun 30, 2023

Family friend ,Sterling ,Kansas

I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of Mudgie! She was my mom’s best friend and therefore, I have fond memories of spending time with both Jim and Mudge. Living 3 doors away from her growing up in Fowler was particularly advantageous when she made dipsy doodle cookies! I also remember riding their surrey while eating red licorice that Jim would bring home from the store. Mudgie always made me feel comfortable and welcome in her Christian home. I loved her generosity and kind heart and I know she will be missed by many.

Jim Boniger Jul 01, 2023

Friend ,Lenexa ,Kansas

Please accept my sincere condolences. I have not met many people who made me and every one they came in contact with feel encouraged, thought of and loved for who they were: Mudge Eaton was that kind of person. My family and I will surely miss her.

Tom Walters Jul 01, 2023

Friend ,Medicine Lodge ,Kansas

Sending love from Melody and Tom. The Eaton’s have been a large part of our lives since starting our Ministry in Fowler in 1981. The visits back. The family updates. And the memories at Fowler Christian Church! Celebrating a life well lived.

Jane E O'Neil Jul 02, 2023

Neighbor ,Lenexa ,Kansas

We lived across the street from Mudge in Lenexa and when we moved in she came across the street with a plate of cookies. She was a wonderful neighbor.

Ron & Sue Dewell Jul 02, 2023

Nephew ,Tulsa ,Oklahoma

Kathie, Robb & Kim, We are heartbroken to hear of the passing of our dear Aunt Mudgie. She was truly one in a million. The world is a lesser place in her absence; but we are comforted knowing that she is having a grand time now with Uncle Jim, as well as Granny & Grandad and the siblings that have gone before her. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you in the days to come. With all our love, Ron & Sue

Todd & Jill Dewell Jul 05, 2023

Nephew ,Dodge City ,Kansas

To Kathy, Rob, Kim and families, Our heartfelt condolences go out to you all along with many thoughts and prayers. We are saddened by your loss, but happy for the many years Aunt Mudge had on this earth and the many lives she touched. Even though I was pretty young when they moved from Fowler, I still have memories of Aunt Mudge babysitting us at the house on Church Street. Hugs to you all! Love Jill and Todd Dewell

Kay Morgan Jul 07, 2023

Niece ,DENVER ,Colorado

Aunt Mudge was one in a million. She was one of the sweetest souls I've ever known. We always enjoyed going over to Auntie's house when we were young. She lived a wonderful, long life and is now sharing eternity with her wonderful Jim, parents and siblings that have gone before. Kathie, Robb and Kim, our thoughts and prayers are with you for peace and comfort. Our fond memories of your wonderful mom will be with us forever. Love, Kay & Patrick

Debbie (Leis) Mahan Jul 24, 2023

Old neighbor ,Tallahassee ,Florida

Dear Eaton family, me and my Kansas family want to extend our deepest sympathy on the loss of our sweet Mudge. She was a gem! She was so helpful when Peg was young and had to have allergy shots or tests. We loved living next to you and have great memories. Now all has changed in Fowler and we’re the “old” people. But know we are wishing you our sympathy and love. Deb Leis and all

Photo Gallery