In Memory of

Evelyn

Evans

Obituary for Evelyn Evans

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Evelyn Kathleen Evans was born April 21, 1929, to Karl K. and Wilhelmina (nee Schick) Gerhardt on the farm at Killaly, SK. She was the youngest daughter of nine siblings and was baptized May 19, 1929, and confirmed August 15, 1943, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Killaly. Evelyn attended Killaly school until Grade 7. At the end of the school year in 1944, Evelyn worked for her brother-in-law, Fred Waldbauer, on his farm in Neudorf and, later in the fall, travelled to Winnipeg by train with her sister Martha to seek employment. Her first job was at Northern Shirt Factory, where she sewed piece work on coveralls. She then worked for Paris Tea Rooms as a waitress. Martha and Evelyn saw the homecoming of the WWII veterans in the spring of 1945 and then returned home.

Evelyn’s parents moved to Neudorf, which left Evelyn and her brother Carlie in charge of the farm. In the fall of 1948, she moved to Calgary to work with her sister Frieda at S.S. Kresge’s Co. Ltd. In the years that followed, Evelyn was required to return home to help out and worked at the Cameo Restaurant in Melville and the Leland Hotel in Neudorf. She then returned to Calgary, where she became head waitress at Kresge’s. During the summers, Evelyn, along with her three sisters, played on Killaly’s ladies’ softball team. She was great at playing first base; not much got by her, and their team was hard to beat!

On August 24, 1962, Evelyn married Harold Evans of Calgary. They were blessed with two children, Elston born in Calgary and Patricia (Patsy a Centennial baby) was born in Neudorf. Evelyn and Harold moved to Melville in 1974 and joined Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Evelyn worked at a variety of jobs - Cameo Restaurant, Community Crafts and Social Centre, City Hall, Bells Dairy and helped out Harold at the Royal Canadian Legion. She enjoyed gardening, growing plants, craftwork, macramé, crocheting, knitting and weaving. Evelyn enjoyed spending social time with her friends at Melville’s bowling alley. At a horticulture show, she received four first place ribbons for her cross-stitched tablecloth, pillow cases and tea towels, and she made several patchwork quilts. She also was active in Patricia’s skating club, sewing costumes for the annual ice carnival.

Harold passed away December 18, 1986. Evelyn spent her retirement years living at Heritage Villa, where she met great friends; together they enjoyed coffee parties, playing cards, bingo, shuffleboard, monthly birthday parties, annual garage sales and special holiday meals. Through the years, she served as president, secretary and treasurer of the Heritage Villa Club. Evelyn moved to St. Paul Lutheran Home in March 2019.

Evelyn passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on December 1, 2019, at St. Peter’s Hospital in Melville at the age of 90. Evelyn was a very kind and gentle soul. She lived her life her way with great integrity, very respectful and always offering a helping hand. She was a very independent lady with so much courage and strength, very down-to-earth, and she had a great sense of humour. We will miss her smiles, hugs and gentle love. She will forever be our beautiful angel and best friend!

Evelyn was predeceased by her parents, Karl K. and Wilhelmina (nee Schick) Gerhardt; her husband, Harold Evans; sisters Sophie (Herb) Lubenow, Emma (Ferd) Waldbauer, Minnie (Jake) Washenfelder and Frieda (Edward) Rubleski; brothers Jake (Anita) Gerhardt and Carlie (Fern) Gerhardt; sister-in-law Constance Gerhardt and brother-in-law Edward Hanowski. She leaves to cherish her memory: son Elston of Regina, SK; daughter Patricia (Larry) Hill and grandson Trace of Red Deer, AB; sister Martha Hanowski of Victoria, BC; brother William Gerhardt of Regina, SK; many nieces, nephews and friends.

Evelyn’s family is planning a graveside service in the spring as this was her favourite time of year. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to Rail City Industries Foundation in Melville.