Service Details
Her celebration of life will be held in the funeral home on Friday, May 23rd 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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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.
Kim and Dan Peuschold says
Sue and John we are sending our deepest sympathy to you on the passing of your mother. Such a spirited woman. We are out of the country or we would come to the service.
Joseph Cuccio says
John, so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing, our condolences to you and your family.
Gail Navratil says
Phyllis was a ray of sunshine as a volunteer at Dr. Jones in Leanne’s class. I loved hearing her take on the two football players that Owen coached at the University of Dubuque. I went to High School with them.
Know that I am thinking of you, Sue and John and family, and sending my condolences.
Sadly I will not be in town for the funeral.
Cindy Maragos says
Dear Evans Family, We are so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. How blessed everyone who knew her will be forever. She left a great legacy and we celebrate that with you. God bless you all. Cindy and Nick Maragos
Dale Priaulx says
Sorry for your loss. God Bless your family.
Paulette Boomsma says
Sue, I am so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. I enjoyed popping in her room and seeing you with her when I was visiting the residents with my Molly. I will miss seeing her. Praying for God’s comfort for you and your family.
Janet Frost Kolepp says
Sue – I was so sorry to hear about your mother’s passing. It’s been many years since we’ve seen each other, but I still remember her from all those times I spent at your house. I hope your memories bring you comfort during this difficult time. My thoughts are with you.
Janet Frost Kolepp says
I was so sorry to hear about your mother’s passing. It’s been many years since we’ve seen each other, but I still remember her from all those times I spent at your house. I hope those memories bring you comfort during this difficult time. My thoughts are with you.
Joan and Kevin Watson says
So very sorry to you and your family for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Mike priaulx says
Sorry for your loss
Amy (Oberhauser) Ball says
Sue & John, you have my deepest sympathy for the loss of your mom. Our memories of your family go back many decades and we remember all the good times. Much love to you.
Amy
Shirley Meriwether says
Sue and John
So many great memories of your mom (and Dad) as neighbors on Keyway Dr in Dubuque. I still have several of her recipes . I should get out the butter bun recipe and make it when everyone is here in June. Spinach salad is another favorite. A great teacher even when she wasn’t in the classroom. May God’s comfort and peace be with you all in the days ahead. So sorry I will, to be able to attend the service on Friday, Shirley
Gwen Becker says
My sweet Auntie Phil, so many wonderful memories. John and Sue have been a wonderful example of honoring their parents. I love my family so much. We all have been truly blessed.