Phyllis M. Evans, age 96, passed away on Friday, May 9, 2025, at Primrose Senior Living Community. She was born on May 5, 1929, in Westby, WI, the daughter of the late Maurice and Petra (née Lovstad) Melby.

Phyllis graduated from La Crosse Central High School in 1947 and earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse in 1951. She was united in marriage to Owen Pierce Evans, and together they raised three children: Susan, David, and John.

A devoted educator, Phyllis taught for over 30 years in River Falls, Dubuque, Oshkosh, and the Racine Unified School District. Her commitment to her students and love of teaching left a lasting impact on many. Phyllis was a longtime member of Covenant Presbyterian Church. She enjoyed golfing with the Washington Park Golferettes, playing bridge with friends, birdwatching, and collecting recipes. She delighted in baking for her loved ones and is well known for her butter buns, angel food cake, and cookies of all kinds. Most of all, she cherished time spent with her family—especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is survived by her children, Susan Evans and John (Leanne) Evans; her grandchildren, Jacob (Kayla) Evans, Ian (Andrea) Evans, and Anna Evans; and her great-grandsons, Owen Pierce Evans II and Liam Grayson Evans. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Gwen (Bob) Lehmann and Janice Evans, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

In addition to her parents and beloved husband, Owen, Phyllis was preceded in death by her son, David; her siblings, Arlonne Melby, LaVonne (Gerald) Davis, Joanne (Roland) Fremstad, and Evan Melby; in-laws, William and Anne Evans; her brother-in-law, David Evans; and her sister-in-law, Alyce (Lyle) O'Neil.

The family extends their deepest gratitude for the compassionate care and friendship provided by Primrose Senior Living Community and Hospice Alliance.

Service Details

Her celebration of life will be held in the funeral home on Friday, May 23 ^rd at 6:00 p.m. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until the time of the service. Private burial will be in Mound Cemetery.

Memorial Suggestions

In lieu of flowers, memorials have been suggested to the Health Care Network Inc. 500 Wisconsin Ave. Racine, WI 53403 or to the Herma Heart Institute at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin- Milwaukee Campus 8915 Connell Ct. Milwaukee, WI 53226.

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