Martha E. Evans

EVANS, Martha Eleanor, Age 87. Passed away peacefully July 27, 2012. Preceded in death by her husband, Maurice Victor Evans, son, Thomas Eugene Evans, parents, Charles Edgar Atkinson, II and Martha Ermels Atkinson, brother Charles Edgar Atkinson and twin sister Anna Blanche Greig. Survived by her children Nancy Ziereis (William), Griffith Evans (Margaret) and Martha Stewart; grandchildren William and Matthew Ziereis, Miranda Burt, Liz Godby, Nick, Anna, Mary and Nate Evans, Lauren, Bryson and Prescott Stewart; great grandchildren Chloe, Michael, Elena, Jaxon, Riley, Maxwell, Maria, Sally and Samantha; sisters-in-law Mary Joan Morris, Berniece Atkinson and Ellie Evans; nieces, nephews, cousins and many dear friends. Martha was born in Webster City, Iowa on October 31, 1924. Sadly, at a very young age, Martha and her siblings lost their father Charles. Years later, Martha’s mother remarried and the family moved to South Dakota. Martha graduated from Watertown High School in 1942. She then continued her studies at the University of Nebraska, where she majored in art. During her time there, she was a member of the Honorary Art Society and Chi Omega Sorority. Following college, Martha moved to Omaha and took a position with Orent Engraving Company. She concentrated on layout and design, garnering high marks from her employers on her meticulous and creative work. The greatest dividend from Martha’s time on the job, however, was the eventual meeting of her future husband, Maurie Evans, a fellow member of the Orent design team. Maurie later became a partner and part owner of the business. The romance blossomed and Martha and Maurie tied the knot June 12, 1948, holding their reception at the Omaha Field Club. Martha soon settled into her role as wife and homemaker “extraordinaire,” while still managing to find time to work on select projects at Orent for several more years. Martha’s greatest joy and source of pride, however, was creating a wonderful home environment for her hard-working husband, four active children, Nancy, Griff, Marty and Tom, and the family bulldog. It was a busy household! Whether helping out at Sunday school or choir practice, making Halloween costumes, volunteering at her kids’ swim meets, driving a cart full of beginners on junior golf days or chairing the school carnival, Martha’s focus was staying involved in the lives of her family, and in the process taught them the importance and value of church, neighborhood and being part of a community. Unfortunately, Martha learned the sadness of loss again, when as a wife and mother in her mid-forties, she lost her dear husband Maurie of a sudden heart attack in 1971. Martha soon found herself as the main breadwinner for her family, in addition to the role of mother and homemaker. Even though family and friends were wonderfully supportive, Martha knew that she must dig in and learn to stand tall in the face of adversity. Before long, she found her stride, and learned to make a new life for herself and her children. Uncovered talents emerged: home repairing and updating, mowing the lawn, car mechanics, tap dancing, harmonica playing, miniature furniture building, oil and watercolor painting. Old talents continued to improve: golfing, gardening, sewing, knitting, playing bridge, and taking excellent care of her dog. Strength grew in her commitment to church and dedication to service there. Over the years, Martha’s loving circle of family and friends continued to widen with the addition of in laws, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and always a new friend or two. There was never a sense of pretence or bravado about Martha. She took great pride in a job well done, no matter the size, and was happy with that. Excess was not in her vocabulary, except when it came to always being there for her family and friends, ever dependable, reliable, generous and constant in her love and dedication to church, family and friends. She will be missed. The Evans family would like to acknowledge and thank Martha’s dedicated physicians, Dr. T. J. Holmes and Dr. Susan Kambhu. Your breadth of knowledge and patience was extraordinary. Gratitude is also extended to the staff at Brookestone Meadows. Martha’s time in your care was filled with kindness and respect, and for that we are most grateful. FUNERAL SERVICE Thursday, August 2, 2012 at 1:00pm at First Central Congregational Church, 421 South 36th Street, Omaha, NE 68131, 402-345-1533. Interment at Westlawn-Hillcrest Memorial Park, 5701 Center Street, Omaha, NE. Memorials are suggested to First Central Congregational Church.

HEAFEY-HEAFEY-HOFFMANN DWORAK & CUTLER Mortuaries and Crematories 7805 West Center Road Omaha, Nebraska 68124 (402) 391-3900

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