Eva Marie Ice-Govus

Was born February 8, 1926 in Boone, NC, the daughter of the late Millard and Zora (Moritz) Castle passed away on Sunday, November 23, 2008 after an extended illness at Elcor Health Services at the age of 82. She is survived by daughter, Deborah Fassel; son, Brian Ice; grandchildren, Heather Gillbanks, John Stading, Tristan Fassel and E. Clark Ice III; great grandchildren, Melissa Gillbanks, Lauren and Erin Stading; sisters, Ruby Conley, Lela Smith, Mabel Avery and Edna Groover; brothers, Alfred, Millard Jr. and Frank Castle; along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her husbands, E. Clark Ice Jr. (1969) and John D. Govus (2008); brothers, Jim, Ben, Arnold and Claude Castle; sisters, Edith Cole, Lola Stanbery, Shirley Metzger and Violet Jankowski. Eve was born the 10th of sixteen children to Millard and Zora. At age 5, she moved with the family to a farm near Canton, PA. After graduating high school with honors, she became a secretary and worked for Delmott Trucking. She soon moved to Elmira, where she met and married E. Clark Ice who worked as a music teacher in the public schools. Eve was a secretary in the Land Office in Cheyenne where Brian was born. When Clark earned his Master's Degree, the family retuned to New York, first to Cortland and then back to Elmira. Eve loved music, playing and teaching piano, and accompanying Clark as he played the violin. Piano duets were a favorite amusement, especially a t Christmas time. Eve's first grandchild was born soon after Clark's death and was a great comfort to her. It tickled her when someone at the tennis court would ask how old her daughter was, and then she would explain proudly that Heather was her granddaughter. She took great joy in all her grand and great grandchildren. After her marriage to John Govus, she moved to Thomasville, NC, where she made many new friends and was an active member of the garden club. Everywhere she lived, she grew a garden with both vegetables and flowers. Everywhere she went, she admired the gardens and wildlife, particularly the birds. After several years of traveling the East Coast with John, they moved back to Elmira. She was a long-time member of the Christ United Methodist Church. Although we miss her, we are comforted by the thought that she is still with those she loved. Family and friends are invited to call at the Olthof Funeral Home, Inc. 1050 Pennsylvania Ave. Elmira, NY on Tuesday, November 25, 2008 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Funeral Services honoring her life will be held there on Wednesday at 12:00 (noon). The Reverend Michael Weeden will celebrate Eve's services. Interment will take place privately at the convenience of her family in Forest Lawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be directed to Southern Tier Hospice 11751 East Corning Road Corning, NY 14830. A 'Candle of Remembrance' may be left for the family in obituaries atwww.olthof.com .Leave a Loving Legacy - Olthof Funeral Home, Inc.