Evangelina (Eva) Espiriti Merfeld, 69, of East Dubuque, IL, passed away Tuesday morning, March 26, 2019, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 A/M, on Saturday, March 30, 2019, at St. Mary's Church, in East Dubuque, with Fr. Dean Smith officiating.

Visitation will be from 4 P/M to 7 P/M, on Friday, March 29, 2019, at the Miller Funeral Home, in East Dubuque, IL.  Private family visitation only will be Saturday morning at the funeral home.

Eva was born on May 13, 1949, in Nogales, AZ, the daughter of Ricardo and Carmen (Mendivi) Espiriti.  She married Raymond L. Merfeld on March 2, 1968, at Sacred Heart Church, Nogales, AZ.

Eva is survived by her husband of (51) years, Raymond L. Merfeld, of East Dubuque, IL; her three (3) sons, Richard L. (JoAnn) Merfeld, of Tucson, AZ, Robert R. Merfeld, of Phoenix, AZ, and Daniel P. Merfeld (Elizabeth) of Madison, WI; her four (4) grandchildren, Taylor J. Merfeld, Lauryn M. Merfeld, Jenna L. Merfeld, and Berkley A. Welsh; four (4) great-grandchildren, Raymond M. Merfeld, Dawn M. Merfeld, Mary L. Merfeld, and Lily E. Merfeld; her mother, Carmen Espiriti, of Nogales, AZ; her brothers, Ricardo (Debbie) Espiriti, of Tucson, AZ, and Hector (Robin) Espiriti, of Phoenix, AZ; and her sister, Alva Espiriti, of Tucson, AZ; along with many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, Ricardo M. Espiriti.

Eva was a learner at heart. She attended and graduated from Capri Cosmetology and she took art classes at Clarke College in Dubuque, IA.

Eva sought out opportunities to teach others.  After graduating Capri, she returned there as an instructor, she volunteered for the Girl Scouts and worked as the salon manager at J C Penney.  More recently, Eva taught several painting classes at the Creative Adventure Lab in Dubuque.

Eva was an exceptionally talented artist.  She excelled in several creative disciplines, including painting, life drawing, interior design, and pottery.  She shared these passions with her friends and family which was her gift to the world.

As a wife, mother and grandmother, Eva was loved by her family who regarded her as a joyful matriarch.  After raising three sons, Eva continued as constant support to her grandchildren and their families.  As a sister and daughter, Eva offered herself, home and love to her family.  She remained connected to her family with regular visits to Nogales.  Her family was one of her great life passions and her source of joy.

Most of all, Eva was a lover of life.  She was known for her bright smile and endless generosity.  She made the lives she touched better with her spirit and grace.  She impacted so many lives and each one made brighter because they knew her.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.millerfhed.com