Evie Evoyce Van Auken

Evie was born on July 23rd, 1943, in Altus, Oklahoma to Raymond L Watkins and Winnefred Drake Watkins. Evie was the youngest of four children, with two older sisters and one older brother. She spent part of her life growing up in Pueblo, Colorado and attended High School in Widefield, Colorado, where she met James Van Auken. They were married young and had two children, Donna and Jimmy.

Evie had a great love for animals that had begun in grade-school, when her parents had bought a horse for her. Dogs and cats were always a part of her adult life, as was another beloved horse, Gaemil. She had also added a talking parrot after her children had grown and moved away from home. In the later years of her life, Evie, together with other neighbors, became a colony manager for Colorado Springs Humane Society, providing food and water for the feral cats that lived in the area.

As a young adult, Evie had studied to be a medical assistant, receiving high grades while taking the course. After her divorce and some time spent in California, Evie eventually returned to Colorado, where she had moved into the home on Fountain Boulevard, that had belonged to her mother. Evie went to work as a personal care provider for a Colorado Springs medical company, where she spent her last working years until retirement.

25 years ago, Evie accepted a job to help to care for two young adults who were declining due to a terminal, degenerative condition. Evie remained with the Stockwell family for seven years, helping to provide care for Jessica and Matthew, who loved her dearly and Evie became like a member of the family. Evie’s faithful care helped to provide the support that enabled parents, Mark and Sally, to keep Jessica and Matthew in their home until the end of their lives. Evie’s heart was always to help others, whether it was animals or people, who could benefit from her care.

Evie was preceded in death by her son, Jim Van Auken, on March 5th, 2021 and by her daughter, Donna O’brien, on May 25th, 2021. Evie was never the same after losing both of her children within months of one another. She is survived by one sister, Eulene Commisso and her three grand-children, TJ Van Auken, Tyler Van Auken and Katy O’Brien.

She will always be remembered for her strong faith in Jesus as her Lord and Savior. How exciting for her to have joined Him in her eternal home, on the day before we celebrate His birth, each year in December. Rest in peace, dear Evie. I know that He held you in His arms upon your arrival, as He commended you with these words, “Well done.”

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MtViewMortuary.com for the Van Auken family.