Evelyn G. Thurston, 88, of Davenport, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 24, 2026, at Harmony at Utica Ridge in Davenport.

Private services will be held for Evelyn. A celebration of life is being planned by the family at a later date.  Memorials may be made to Empowering Abilities of Davenport or the Bettendorf Presbyterian Church. McGinnis-Chambers Funeral Home of Bettendorf is assisting the family with arrangements.

Evelyn was born in Moline, Illinois, on January 19, 1938, the daughter of Harold W. and Edith M. (Ellis) McMahon. On October 20, 1956, she married Herman Landon “Lanny” Thurston in Davenport. Their marriage was blessed with many years of love, family and shared memories until Lanny’s passing on December 15, 1989.

She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who treasured every opportunity to be with the people she loved.

She was a longtime and active member of the Bettendorf Presbyterian Church. She also generously volunteered her time at Empowering Abilities, formerly the Handicapped Development Center, in Davenport. Helping others and making a difference in the lives of those around her came naturally to Evelyn.

She also knew how to enjoy life and make memories. Evelyn especially loved traveling to Colorado, camping and spending time with her family.

Evelyn will be lovingly remembered by her sons, Gregg Thurston of Davenport and Brad (Tami) Thurston of Davenport; her grandchildren, Joshua Thurston and his fiancé, Sadie Brun, Alycia (Philip) Tolman and Dainie (Landon) Walker; and her great-grandchildren, Theo Tolman, Cade Tolman and Madison Thurston.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lanny, and her sister, Janice Brinkley.

Evelyn’s life was one of love, faith, family and service to others. She gave so much of herself to the people around her, and her kindness, gentle spirit and love for her family will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.