Elaine R. Evans

Johnston

With her beloved husband at her side, Elaine Evans died peacefully on Sunday, March 6, 2011. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in her honor at 10 a.m. Friday, March 11, 2011 at St. Mary's of Nazareth Catholic Church.

Elaine was born the fourth of nine children to Adelard J. and Anna A. (Stafne) Durand on July 31, 1932 in Spooner, Wisconsin. She graduated as president of her class from the Mercy School of Nursing in Des Moines, Iowa in 1953. Elaine was united in marriage to Don Evans on January 27, 1954. They were blessed with nine children.

While most of her life was devoted to the care and nurturing of her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Elaine worked for 37 years as a registered nurse, retiring from Mercy Hospital. She excelled in providing healing care especially with neurological and surgical patients. She also provided compassionate end-of-life care and viewed it as a great privilege.

Elaine loved life, and she especially loved spending time with her family. She loved summer picnics and huge holiday parties. She maintained a large garden for years. She made abundant use of her artistic talents creating a variety of quilts for her grandchildren. She loved reading all sorts of literature and especially loved reading aloud with her grandchildren.

Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 57 years, Don; her children Tom (Patty) Evans, Diane (Mark) Hicks, Dan (Mary Clare) Evans, Julie (Gary) Maske, Joe (Jill) Evans, MaryFrances Evans, Jim Evans, Larry (Barb) Evans, and Beth Colosimo (Bob Chapman); her grandchildren Chris (Janna), Jon (Katie), and Nick Evans, Jessica, Teresa, Michael and Katherine Hicks, Stephen and Alex Evans, Anna, Dan, Ben, John, Sam and Rachel Maske, Joseph and Grace Evans, Frances and Audrey Evans-McFarland, Andrew and Mathew Evans, Taylor Evans, Travis Ondler, Madison, Macy, and Mia Evans, Sophie and Luke Colosimo; her great-grand children Jackson, Hallie and Harper Evans, and also her siblings John Durand, Ellen (Bob)Olson and Alice (Pat) Keppel and many nieces and nephews.

Elaine and Don were founding members of St. Mary's of Nazareth Church. She walked by faith in this life, always open to seeing God in others and in nature.

Visitation will be held 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 10, 2011 with a Rosary at 7 p.m. at St. Mary's of Nazareth Church. Memorial contributions may be directed to Holy Trinity School.

Her family would like to thank everyone for their loving and prayerful support for Elaine.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by the Des Moines Register from Mar. 9 to Mar. 11, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Elaine Evans

10 Entries

March 14, 2011

mama

March 11, 2011

Don & Family,

So sorry for your loss. We haven't been in contact since our high schooldays. You and Elaine were married the same year that as my wife and I. Sounds like you have a great family and I'm sure they will be there for you. We are in Arizona for the winter but will return to our home in Clive about May 1st. We will keep all of you in our prayers.

Don Duwelius

March 11, 2011

All of you have been often in my thoughts and prayers and were remembered at the altar as I celebrated Holy Eucharist twice on Ash Wednesday and also yesterday noon. God bless all of you. Bob Hedges

Dale Phillips

March 10, 2011

Dear Joe and family: my deepest sympathy to you and your family on the loss of your mom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time of need!

JoAnn & Paul Willcockson

March 10, 2011

To the Evans family: We have been aquainted with your family for many years here in Johnston. Some of the Evans kids graduated with our Tim and Tracey and some were friends just being in the same school and city. You have an awesome family and we send our sympathy at this time of losing your mom.

March 10, 2011

Dear Evans family, You are in our thoughts and prayers during this time Many happy memories of times gone by on the farm. Always enjoyed your mom's humor. What a great friend she was for so many years to my mother. Ann Metzger, Marion, Ia.

Maryfrances Evans

March 10, 2011

Mama - If you get this message, you've finally mastered the internet! Thank you for giving us to each other. Thank you for giving me life and love and a twisted sense of humor.
A lotta lotta love, mom. I promise to make sure the big ones watch over the little ones. Thank you, mom - I love you. #6

Paul Munck

March 9, 2011

Dear Evans Family, I have many happy memories of times spent at your home (except the basement). Your mother was always kind and accepting of kids hanging out. I will remember her and the entire Evans clan in my thoughts and prayers.

Jo Ann Slayton

March 9, 2011

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Scott and Xan Taylor Family

March 9, 2011

Dear Beth, Larry and Jim,
We are praying that the Lord Jesus Christ will give you and your families comfort and peace as you walk through this very difficult time.

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