Maria Evangelina Lanes Karstens

Maria Evangelina Lanes Karstens, 90, of Springdale, went to live with Jesus on Sunday morning, February 15, 2015 at Greenhurst Nursing Center in Charleston, Ark. She was born into the Lanes family on March 15, 1924 near Antwerp, Belgium where she resided until 1945. Her young life was filled with the turbulence of World War II which she faced with courage and tenacity. She shared testimony with friends of God's protection and rescue from danger during the Nazi occupation of Belgium. Yet, from these experiences she developed perseverance, determination and empathy for others that became her trademark throughout her life, and eventually, lead her to accept Jesus Christ as her Savior in 2005. In 1947, Maria married the love of her life and soul mate, Bernard B. Karstens (Jack) of Davenport, Iowa. They made their home in Bloomington, Ill. where they became partners in their own custom-made drapery business which allowed them to meet several famous philanthropists throughout our country. She was an exceptional seamstress producing beautiful draperies and pillows in the 1950s. Afterwards, they retired to Eureka Springs when Maria was in her early 50's and traveled abroad with friends. She enjoyed entertaining and was an excellent cook. Maria also enjoyed being a part of the cast in The Great Passion Play in Eureka Springs. Her selflessness and deep care for others was displayed during the war years when she was a helper and companion to an elderly, Jewish lady in Antwerp. She also sacrificed her home life to live-in and care for an elderly friend for many months in Eureka Springs, and was a dedicated volunteer at the Adult Daycare Center in Springdale at the age of 70. She was faithful for many years in aiding a friend to rescue and feed homeless cats. Maria's outward beauty was a reflection of her kind heart and zest for life. Her bright smile and sympathetic, tender heart brought warmth and encouragement to all who knew her. Many eagerly sought her company and companionship. Her love for all God's creatures was truly beautiful. She is now having a wonderful reunion with her beloved dogs, Bruno, Duke and Boxer, Dixie and Duke Allen; and kitties, Baby and Tootsie. Preceding her in death is husband, B.B. (Jack) Karstens; special, long-time friends, Fredericka Price of Berryville, Willow Ames of Springdale, and a host of other friends in Northwest Arkansas. Our beloved Maria leaves behind a legacy of strength, endurance and wisdom to her "adopted" family and caregivers of 23 years, Judy and Andy Allen of Ozark, and numerous other loving friends from Alabama, Texas, Illinois, and Northwest Arkansas. "Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever lives and believes in Me shall never die." St. John 11:25, Holy Bible. To place an online tribute, go to www.edwardsvan-alma.com.