Evelyn Inman Runck-Hutchinson

Evelyn Runck Hutchinson was suddenly called home on Tuesday, May 5, 2026 after a long and fruitful life. The loving wife of Joseph Augustus Ward, Walter Albert Runck and Frank David Hutchinson, she was born in Cowpens, SC to Claude Daniel Inman and Jane Ol Eva Godfrey on November 19, 1926.

She is survived by her children Jane Allen Frechette (Tim) of Seabrook, NH, Walter Runck of Round O, SC and Elise Johnson (Jason) of Saint Johns, FL. and was predeceased by her parents and loving brother, Robert Monroe Inman of Landrum, SC. Also surviving are grandchildren Joseph Frechette (Lola) of Savannah, GA, Melissa Frechette of Georgetown, MA; Daniel, Steven and Trey Runck of South Carolina, Alexis Johnson of Saint Johns and great- grandchildren Julien and Xavier Powers of Georgetown, MA.

Evelyn grew up in the mill towns of upstate SC during the turmoil of the Great Depression, World War II and the death of her mother when she was 14. She put herself through Winthrop Normal College and went to work in Augusta. Marrying Joe Ward in 1949, she moved north only to lose him in 1951 in the wreck of the commuter train “The Broker” shortly after their daughter Jane was born. Evelyn spent the 1950’s as a single mom raising Jane while earning her teacher’s credential. After a decade that challenged both of them one, one of Joe’s old Navy friends asked her out for New Year’s Eve 1959. That evening blossomed into her second marriage. She moved to Hamden, CT with Walter and Jane. Walter Jr. and Elise came along in due course and life was grand. After living in Hockessin, DE and Holmdel, NJ she earned a Master’s in English Literature from Monmouth College in 1983 and continued to teach the literature she loved. Losing Walter in 2001 after 40 years of marriage and an all too short retirement in Palm Coast, FL, she later married Frank David and enjoyed another 10 years of retirement and travel before his death in 2013.

Evelyn was a gracious hostess through all those years and loved putting on a dinner party or holiday gathering, radiating love and hospitality along with her tremendous skills in the kitchen. Her grandchildren are now keeping her recipes alive.

After keeping her own house in Palm Coast for a couple of years, Evelyn moved to Fleet Landing in Atlantic Beach, FL where she remained a bright and beautiful light for all who knew her, even declining another marriage proposal at age 89.

Evelyn loved boating and spent many happy days cruising Long Island Sound and the Florida coast with family and friends. She was fond of roosters and swans, had an impeccable sense of style and doted on her family. A woman of faith and language, Evelyn enjoyed the work of C.S. Lewis and read a wide range of authors her whole life, finding much comfort in Bible study in later life when she finally had some time to herself. Just as she had her own guidance in life, she remains the North Star for the family, providing direction and comfort when needed..

True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less. She gave and gave her whole life and we are all the better for it.

A Celebration of Life will be held later this year in the Spartanburg area.