Mary Ellen Evans

Mary Ellen (Nelson) Evans, 97, died in the presence of family on January 30th, 2024. She was born on May 12, 1926, in Albert Lea, MN, to Thursten “Turk” and Jeanette (Ness) Nelson. She graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1944. Soon after graduation, she went to Washington, D.C., to work as a “Government Girl” for the Internal Revenue Service during WWII. She enjoyed D.C. and was always happy to share fascinating stories about her time there. Throughout her life, she also worked as a bookkeeper for Scotsman, Narverud Motors, and the Register of Deeds in the Albert Lea Courthouse. She participated in a local bowling league for much of her life and was no stranger to a 200+ game.

In her later years, she enjoyed being a member of The Albert Lea  Art Center and The Shades of Jade Garden Club with her lifelong best friend and cousin, Jeanne Park. She delighted in painting, singing, and reading mystery novels. She had a fondness for angels, pansy rings, NASCAR, and her beloved cats, Kali & Ko.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Richard “Penny” Nelson, and his wife, Shirley; her great-granddaughter Jasmine Evans; and her former husbands, Ralph Moore and Kenneth Evans, both of Albert Lea.

She is survived by her three children, Douglas (Mary Susan) Evans of Albert Lea, James “J.B.” Evans of Albert Lea, and Martha (John) Diedrich of Waseca; eight grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. 

She will be remembered for her sharp wit and red lipstick, among many other wonderful qualities. She will be dearly missed.

Mary’s Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, May 17th, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at St. John’s Lutheran Community on Fountain Lake in the Chapel.