Evelyn Joyce Weber 79, of Urbana died at 6:00 p.m. Sunday, October 19, 2008 at the Champaign County Nursing Home, Urbana.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, October 23, 2008 at Renner-Wikoff Chapel and Crematory, Urbana. The Rev. Laurie Hill will officiate. Graveside services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Thursday at the Mautz Cemetery, Dollville. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Ms. Weber was born on November 9, 1928 in Pana, the daughter of John Henry and Emma Schoch Weber.

Survivors include her sister-inlaw; Mary Jane Weber of Urbana, one nephew; John Weber of Los Angeles, California and one Niece; Barbara (Brian) Kelley of Tolono

She was preceded in death by 1 brother.

Ms. Weber graduated from Pana High School, University of Illinois and received her P.H.D. from Iowa State University in 1961.

In 1965, she became the University of Illinois' first woman in the Agronomy Department. Evelyn was a Professor of Plant Biochemistry from 1965 - 1987, remaining the only woman member. She is a professor emerita of the U of I.

She retired as a Biochemist under a joint appointment from the U of I and the USDA.

She was a member of St. Paul's United Church of Christ in Dollville, an associate member of St. Peter's United Church of Christ, Champaign, American Chemical Society, American Oil Chemists' Society, Farm Bureau in Christian County, Fellow of American Institute of Chemists and served on the National Committee of Women Chemists'.

Ms. Weber was an honorary member of Alpha Lambda Delta, Iota Sigma Pi, Sigma Delta Epsilon, Phi Kappa Phi, Sigma XI and Gamma Sigma Delta.

Memorial contributions may be made to Iowa State University Foundation, John H. Weber Family Scholarship or to the University of Illinois Crop Science Department.

Condolences may be offered at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com.