Evelyn Bourne

Evelyn “Evie” Martha Bourne was born on March 29, 1936, on the family farm in Raymond, Minnesota, to her loving parents, Harm and Martha (Van Heuvelen) Ostendorf. From an early age, their strong values of faith and community helped shape the person she became. She was baptized and confirmed at Bethany Reformed Church in Clara City, attended country school until 8th grade, and graduated from Clara City High School in 1954.

Not long after graduation, Evie moved to Montevideo and started working part-time at Stamson’s Café. It didn’t take long for her friendly nature and strong work ethic to be noticed—she was offered a buyer position at JC Penney, and she jumped at the opportunity. It was truly her dream job, and she loved every minute of it.

Evie went hand in hand through life with her husband, Bob, for nearly 50 years. They were married on March 29, 1962—her birthday!—at Bethany Reformed Church. Together, they raised five children and built a life filled with love, hard work, and service to others.

Evie had a deep love for her family, church, community, and friends. She was always thinking of others and had a special way of making your day a little better—usually with something homemade and delicious. As their family grew, she and Bob decided that one of them would work outside the home, and they agreed it would be Evie. She went on to spend over 25 years working as an electronic computer board inspector, a job she took great pride in.

More than anything, Evie was a devoted wife, mom, grandma, and great-grandma. She had a gentle soul, a generous heart, and a steady faith that guided everything she did. She gave so much of herself to the people around her and truly loved learning, trying new things, and making connections wherever she went.

Evie also had a deep love for nature. She found joy tending to her many flower gardens on the farm, sipping coffee by the lake, and going on Sunday drives with Dad to visit friends and family. After Dad passed, she continued exploring—traveling from coast to coast with Ryan, making memories and discovering new places along the way.

She was a long-time member of both the Rosewood and Montevideo United Methodist Churches, where she stayed active in all kinds of roles—Couples Club, Ruth Circle, United Methodist Women, Second Harvest, Heartland, the Prayer Garden, and the quilting group. She took on leadership roles in every group she joined. For many years, she held the president role of UMW of Montevideo and represented the church in the World Day of Prayer and attending conferences in Ohio, Tennessee, and Minneapolis. She especially loved being part of the annual Methodist Turkey Supper and took her role as one of the main coordinators seriously—often coming “Evie-style,” with extra baked goods or side dishes tucked away, just in case.

Evie also stayed active in the wider community. She was part of the Fiesta Floral Club, Homemaker’s Group for over 60 years, went to community concerts, joined in Farm Bureau events, and even bowled on a league for many years. She encouraged her kids to stay involved too, through 4-H and church events. After they became adults, she too participated in the County Fair and most recently won Grand Champion for her flowers and lemon pie, and first place for her famous brownies (which she proudly delivered to Pastor Sam).

Her kindness, her faith, and her ever-ready smile will be deeply missed. Her memory will always be a blessing.

Evelyn “Evie” Martha Bourne, age 89, of Montevideo, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, August 15, 2025.

She is survived by her five children: Renae (Tom) Spehn, Randy (Jan) Bourne, Rodney (Lorie Ann) Bourne, Ryan Bourne, and Raquel Bourne; her siblings Virgil Ostendorf, Roger Ostendorf, and Marlene Christianson; grandchildren: Kelsey Bourne, Patrick (Kayla) Spehn, Paige (Shane) Stavne, Evan (Rachel) Spehn, Elliotte Bourne, Mackenzie Spehn, Kaitlyn Spehn, and Parker Bourne; and five great-grandchildren. She is also remembered by extended family and countless friends who loved her.

Evie is now reunited with her beloved husband Bob (who passed in 2012), her parents, siblings: Ervin Ostendorf and Marlyn Ostendorf and many other cherished family members who went before her.

Funeral Services will be Saturday, August 23, 2025 at 10:30 AM at the United Methodist Church in Montevideo. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Cemetery in Montevideo.

Visitation will be Friday, August 22, 2025 from 4:00 – 6:30 PM at the United Methodist Church in Montevideo with a Prayer Service at 6:15 PM. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service on Saturday.