Cleta June (Willems) McEwan was born on June 1, 1930 the daughter of Jacob James and Maud (Haggins) Willems. She passed away peacefully at Appleton City Manor on May 28, 2021, age 90. She was born on the family farm and spent her entire life in the area, where she attended school. Shortly after completing her education, Cleta married James McEwan at the home of Rev. Moss on September 22, 1946. To this union three children were born: Connie, Jim, and Johnny Jake. Along with raising her children and taking care of her home, Cleta dro ve a school bus for the Appleton City School district for many years as well as the OATS bus. She also helped her family by working on the farm, mostly caring for cattle. Throughout her life, she remained a devoted member of Trinity United Methodist Church where she served as a Sunday school teacher and remained active in the United Methodist Women’s group. Apart from church activities, Cleta enjoyed working in her large vegetable garden and canning the harvest she gleaned. Her most cherished times were spent with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who all received handmade quilts, stitched with love from grandma. Cleta was an incredible host and cook, who prepared handmade feasts for family gatherings, and was especially famous for her pies. She will be deeply missed by her many family and friends. Cleta was preceded in death by her parents, Jacob James and Maud (Haggins) Willems; her husband James McEwan; a daughter, Conni e and husband Mike Vinson; sisters: Armilda (Warren) McEwan, Ruby (Deb) Dockery and Emma Lou (Joe) Blackburn. She is survived by her sons, Jim (Janice) and Johnny Jake McEwan; eight grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren; along with numerous extended family and good friends.
Funeral services for Cleta McEwan were Tuesday, June 1, 2021 at Hill & Son Funeral Home in Appleton City, Missouri. VISITATION preceded the service from 10:00 -11:00 a.m. OFFICIATING at the service was Pastor Joel Meyer. INTERMENT was in the Appleton City Cemetery. The family suggests MEMORIAL donations be made to Appleton City Cemetery or Heartland Hospice and may be left with the funeral home.
