Karen Ratcliff Evans

Karen Adrienne Ratcliff Evans, 49, of Slidell, Louisiana, a devoted and loving daughter, sister, mother, wife, aunt, and teacher, passed away on September 2, 2025, in Slidell, surrounded by her family.  Karen was born October 22, 1975, at the U.S. Army 5th General Hospital in Bad-Cannstatt, Stuttgart, Germany.  She is survived by her husband, John “Mike” Evans; her two daughters, Brittany Bankston and Savannah Evans; her parents, Susan Elizabeth Welker Ratcliff and Joseph Martin “Marty” Ratcliff; her two sisters, Tracey Ratcliff and Elizabeth Garver (Andrew), as well as nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and loving in-laws.  She is preceded in death by her four grandparents, eight great-grandparents, and a dear uncle, who welcomed her home with loving arms.

Karen grew up in Slidell and attended the University of Southern Mississippi and Southeastern Louisiana University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree and certification in mathematics education.  She was a longtime member of the congregation at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Slidell, then of Church of the King in Mandeville.  She was a faithful follower of Christ and lived her life as a shining example of His love, kindness, and generosity.  Karen dedicated 20 years to St. Tammany Parish schools, during 13 of which she was a math teacher at Slidell High School.  She was a skilled and respected educator, but her care and concern for her students went well beyond math lessons; she genuinely loved and cared for her students and provided all that she could for them.  She injected kindness and humor into everything she did, as a teacher, mother, wife, daughter, sister, and friend to so many.  Karen had a one-of-a-kind sense of humor which persisted even through her most difficult days battling ALS.  Her sharp wit and fun-loving silliness broke through every challenge she faced.  We will think of her every time we laugh and goof around, and she will always be remembered for exuding boundless love and kindness which continue well beyond her too-short time with us. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in Karen’s name may be made to Team Gleason Foundation, which generously supported Karen with equipment and guidance.  The mission of Team Gleason Foundation is to improve life for people living with ALS by delivering innovative technology and equipment, as well as providing and empowering an improved life experience.  If you prefer to make an anonymous donation, that can also be made below.

https://teamgleason.app.neoncrm.com/forms/karenevans

https://teamgleason.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/teamgleason/donation.jsp?campaign=258&&test=true

Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the celebration of Karen's life at Honaker Funeral Home, 1751 GAUSE Blvd. WEST (IN FOREST LAWN CEMETERY), Slidell, LA on Friday, September 12, 2025, at 3:00 P.M.

Visitation on Friday after 1:00 P.M. until funeral time.

Interment in Forest Lawn Cemetery.

Arrangements by Honaker Funeral Home, Inc., Slidell, LA.