Obituary: Eva Johnson Hawes, 77, of Morgantown, passed away
Eva Johnson Hawes, 77, of Morgantown, Kentucky, passed away on February 28, 2025. Eva was born on July 3, 1947, and grew up on Bull Creek in Butler County. She attended Waverly School, a one-room schoolhouse, before finishing her education and graduating from Butler County High School in 1967.
From a young age, Eva displayed a strong work ethic, beginning her career at the Butler County Clerk’s Office, where she worked for 19 years. Later, she and her husband, Kenneth, founded a successful microfilming business, which they ran together for 27 years.
Eva’s commitment to service extended beyond her career. A woman with a servant’s heart, she was a founding member of both the Morgantown-Butler County Chamber of Commerce and the Green River Catfish Festival. She also served with distinction on the Morgantown City Council for 4 years and as Mayor of Morgantown for another 4 years. Eva is preceded in death by her parents, Eugene and Katherine West Johnson, her brother Rayburn Johnson, and her sister Penny Johnson.
Eva is survived by her devoted husband of 36 years, Kenneth Hawes; her children, daughter Laura Lalonde (Anthony), son Robert Tuck (Heather), step-daughters Shelly Knopf (Bill), Aimee Henderson (Pat); step-son Sam Hawes (Marina); her eleven beloved grandchildren: Lakayah Daugherty (Nathan), Lucas Smith (Taylor), Maggie Smith, Raegan Tuck, Drew Henderson (Rachel), Rex Henderson (Olivia), Jagger Henderson, Taylor Tindall (Wyatt), Trevor McStoots, Collin Lalonde and Alexis Lalonde; 7 great-grandchildren, Oaklei, Chloe, Charlie, Piper, Mya, Memphis and Blayk; one sister Elaine Johnson (Keen), and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Eva was an active and vibrant person who loved being outdoors. Whether fishing, gardening, or traveling, she found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She especially loved spending time with her family, and her kitchen was always open to those she loved. Her famous saying, “If you leave hungry, it’s your own fault,” was a testament to her nurturing spirit and love for feeding others.
Eva will be remembered for her infectious energy, her unwavering commitment to family and community, and her kindness that touched the lives of all who knew her. She lived life on her terms, always busy, always giving, and always with a smile on her face.
A celebration of Eva’s life will be held at the Jones Funeral Chapel Monday, March 3, 2025 at 11:00am, where family and friends will gather to honor her memory, with Bro. Roger Taylor officiating. Burial will be in Hill Haven Memory Gardens where Pat, Drew, Rex and Jagger Henderson, Trevor McStoots, Lucas Smith, Sam Hawes and Anthony Lalonde will serve as pallbearers. Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 2, 2025 from 5:00pm – 8:00pm and Monday 8:00am until funeral time at 11:00am at the Jones Funeral Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Southern Kentucky 5872 Scottsville Road Bowling Green, KY 42104. Please share any photos, memories, condolences or light a candle in memory of Eva at www.jonesfuneralchapel.com. Jones Funeral Chapel is honored to be serving the family of Eva Johnson Hawes.
