Ruth Evans

Ruth Francine (Smith) Evans passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her children on Monday, August 9th, 2021, at 11:30 pm.  She was born to Charles and May (Finney) Smith on August 4th, 1932.  Ruth went to elementary one room schools and attended Unity High School, graduating as Valedictorian of her class in 1950.  She continued her education at Western Illinois State Teachers College in Macomb, IL for three years, majoring in Math and Business.  During her 4th year she taught elementary school at the Ursa Grade School and finished her teaching degree with night classes, graduating in 1954 as a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma, a social sorority, and Honorary Kappa Delta Pi and Pi Omega Pi.

She and William E. Evans were married on December 24th, 1953, in Colorado Springs, Colorado where Bill was stationed in the Army.  She was a “stay at home” Mother until all three of their children were in school.  Ruth then returned to the profession she loved teaching in the elementary classroom, then as a reading specialist and later taught math at the Unity Middle School in Mendon.  After teaching for 35 years, she retired but continued to substitute teach for 15 more years.

While raising their kids, Ruth and Bill were members of the AMEN River Group which included a camp on the Mississippi where they spent weekends boating, skiing, and having fun.  That group expanded as years went by and gathered to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, special occasions and holidays. Ruth was a member of Adams Co. Home Extension and served on the board of the Mendon Four-Star Public library.  She and Bill worked as volunteer paramedics in North Adams County for several years.

Ruth was a member of the Mendon Congregational Church and their Cogitators Class.  She was an avid seamstress at an early age which she continued throughout her lifetime----later making many quilts for family members.  She enjoyed reading, playing sudoku, and playing cards with friends.  Getting together with her many blessed family members was her favorite activity.

Survivors include her son Gary Evans (Julie) of Sunrise Beach, MO,  Daughters, Sue Woodworth (Bernie) of Mendon, IL and Peggy Evans (Dave Beaudoin).  Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren, Matthew Woodworth (Kendra) Olivia, Owen, Olive: Michael Woodworth (Audrey) Taylor, Hattie, Nash: Josh Evans (Jamila) JJ, Charlie, Juliet, Annie, Luke:  Justin Evans (Mary) Benden, William, Jacob, Emme, Ruthie, #6 on the way:  Megan Bridgeman (Jordan) Charly, Eleanor, Adalyn:  Lauren Smith (Broderick) Campbell, Harrison. Also surviving are a sister Marje Burchmore of Sarasota, FL, sisters-in-law Dolores Duncan of Fowler, IL, Pat Evans of Mesa, AZ and one brother-in-law William Gillenwater of Bloomington, IN as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Bill, one great grandchild Francis Xavier Evans, her parents Charles and May Smith, three sisters Marian Edith Smith (in infancy) Carol Smith Burner and Rachel Smith Clendenny.  One brother Thomas Smith, Grandparents, John and Ella Smith, Tom and Annabel Finney.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 14, 2021, at the First Congregational Church of Mendon with Rev. Larry Smith officiating.  Interment will follow at Mendon Cemetery.  Visitation will be held on Friday evening from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Hunter Funeral Home of Mendon.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Congregation Church.  You are invited to share a memory of Ruth and leave condolences at www.hunterfh.com