Myrtle “Ann” Evans, 82, of Vandalia, Mo., died at 5:20 a.m., Sunday, March 19, 2023, at Monroe Manor in Paris, Mo.
Services were held at 10 a.m., Friday, March 24, 2023, at Spencer Creek Baptist Church. Pastor Bob Hoehn officiated. Burial followed in the Vandalia Cemetery.
Visitation celebrating Ann’s life was held from 5 – 7 p.m., Thursday March 23, 2023, at the Spencer Creek Baptist Church.
Ann was born on May 18, 1940, in Hannibal, Mo., the daughter of Howard and Oneta (Rohr) Schremp.
She was united in marriage to James “Jim” Evans on May 18, 1956, in Perry, Mo. He died earlier on Feb. 16, 2022.
Survivors include two sons, James Lee Evans of Hannibal, and David A. Evans of Vandalia; two daughters, Belinda Krchelich of Perry, and Debbie Pursifull (Tim) of Vandalia; two grandsons, John Krchelich (Kristin) of Clarinda, Iowa, and Bryan Evans (Sarah) of Vandalia; five granddaughters, Mary Easter (Cheston) of Princeton, Rachel Williams (Adam) of Valley Park, Ashley Niemeyer (Ryan) of Lake Saint Louis, Elizabeth Straube (Brandon) of Vandalia, and Emily DeTienne of Saint Louis; 14 great grandchildren, Ty, Dalton, Emma, Ann, Kylee, Stella, Jacob, Emrey, Haven, Luke, Charlotte, Treyson, Analynn and Reece; brother-in-law, Donald “Gene” Evans (Donna) of Center and sister-in-law, Ruth Evans of Perry. She is also survived by numerous loved cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
In addition to her parents and loving husband, Mrs. Evans her brother-in-law, Bobby Joe Evans and sister-in-law, Loretta Kay Evans, died earlier.
Ann graduated from Perry High School in the class of 1956. She was an active farm wife supporting the family farm and helping raise her four children. Ann, as she was known to friends and neighbors, was a great cook. She was always eager to share a meal at the family table with those who were there at mealtime. Meals included family, friends, farm salesman, farm helpers, no one walked away hungry.
Ann also did catering, as well, going to auctions, fairs, air show events with “Ann’s Lil Wagon.” She loved meeting people and serving them something delicious that they enjoyed. Her catering meals included serving her famous “Butterhorn Rolls,” which were homemade by the hundreds!
Quilting was another passion of Ann’s. Numerous beautiful and award-winning quilts were made over the years to be enjoyed and appreciated by family. She was a longtime member of the Prairie Pine Quilt Guild of Mexico. She loved the guild “Show Tell” and time spent with Quilty Friends.
Ann loved to travel with her favorite visits to Maui, Hawaii, Texas, Florida, cruises in the Caribbean, Alaska and trips to Branson to see the Holiday lights and musical shows—all brought great pleasure to Ann.
Mrs. Evans was a lifetime member of the Spencer Creek Baptist Church and Liberty Community Association. She was active leader for the Ralls County Cancer Crusade for many years and the 83rd Liberty Belles Extension club.
Grandchildren and great grandchildren were a great source of joy and pride to her, she was always very encouraging to them in their development and eagerly supported their education.
Pallbearers were Bryan Evans, John Krchelich, Adam Williams, Ryan Niemeyer, Brandon Straube, and Craig Cunningham.
Honorary Pallbearers were Gene Evans, Tim Pursifull, Jim Gaw, Daryle Smith, David Gibson, Richard Schremp, Ty Evans, Dalton Dameron, Cheston Easter and Chris Evans.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Vandalia Fire Department, Spencer Creek Baptist Church or to the donor’s choice, in care of the Waters Funeral Home.
Online condolences may be made to the family and video tribute viewed on Ann’s memorial page at www.watersfuneral.com.