Eva Hayden Lurtz

Eva Hayden Lurtz, 92, of DeLand, Florida, passed away peacefully on October 22, 2025, at Arbor Terrace in Exton, Pennsylvania. Born and raised in Niles, Ohio, she graduated from Youngstown State University, where she met her husband, Robert (Bob) Lurtz. Married for 54 years until his passing in 2010, Bob and Eva were true partners in life—devoted to family, faith, music, education, and adventure. It's hard to imagine one spouse without the other as their life of love was evident to all. 

They began their life together in Miami, with stops in New Orleans and Mobile, before returning to raise their daughters in South Florida. After retiring from Dade County Schools, Eva and Bob moved to DeLand, where she continued teaching for another decade in Volusia County. She had a gift for sharing her love of music and children, enriching the lives of all who knew her. 

She lived her faith with grace and purpose, serving as a deacon, choir member, and children’s choir director in the local church dedicating many years to University Baptist Church of Coral Gables, FL.  She was a current member at First Presbyterian Church of DeLand and later participated in the ministries of Hopewell United Methodist Church while living in Pennsylvania. 

Eva was also active in many organizations, including Sigma Alpha Iota, Alpha Delta Kappa, the Stetson University Children’s Choir (board member), Stetson University Choral Union, the Kiwanis Club of DeLand, the Florida Baptist Singing Men and Women, and the Order of the Eastern Star. 

She is survived by her daughters Judith (James Hyde) of Tampa, FL, and Marjorie (James Scott) of Downingtown, PA; grandchildren and their spouses Isabel (Jordan Thayres), Zachary Scott (Amanda), Jimmy Scott (Lara), and Shila (Christian Schillig); four great-grandsons—Braxton and Lennox Thayres, Elijah and Kingston Scott; and many beloved nieces and nephews. 

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 6th, 11:00 am, at First Presbyterian Church, 724 N. Woodland Blvd., DeLand, FL 32720, with lunch reception to follow. Family and friends are encouraged to wear blue, Eva’s favorite color. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Stetson University School of Music (Young Singers Choir in the memo line), c/o Sara Scarpelli, 421 N. Woodland Blvd., Unit 8399, DeLand, FL 32723.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Eva Hayden Lurtz, please visit our floral store.