JoEllen Evans

JoEllen Evans (85) of Fort Wayne, Indiana was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on April 1,2021. She was born JoEllen Yohey on September 11, 1935 in Fort Recovery, Ohio. After graduating from Fort Recovery High School, her mother helped her move to Fort Wayne to work at Lincoln Life. While there, she made many friends with whom she enjoyed playing pinochle with during lunch breaks. A lifelong member of the church, JoEllen established herself at the Southside Church of Christ.

On March 6,1955,as she was walking out her door to attend church services, she heard God tell her that she was going to meet someone special that day. And she did. She met Royce Evans, the love of her life. Their first date was seeing a Disney nature film, where Royce knew she was "the one" because she seemed to enjoy popcorn as much as he did. She knew he was "the one" because he made a joke about a fly trying to hatch a bird's egg. They were married less than seven months later on October 1, 1955. Together they raised a family of three girls.

They lived a life full of love and everyday adventures, often taking plane rides with Royce as pilot. JoEllen particularly enjoyed their trips to Hawaii, where they would walk on the beach at sunrise, and an RV trip out west, where she marveled at the size of redwood trees.

Later in life, JoEllen was always willing to welcome her grandchildren into her home for sleepovers. She made it a priority to attend the events of both her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She loved animals. Throughout her life, there were always animals in her home -rabbits, mice, guinea pigs, dogs, and cats. She never met an animal that she couldn't charm. Her beloved dog, Scamper, was by her side every day.

She enjoyed gardening and always grew beautiful flowers. She liked to watch birds and could identify them all. JoEllen appreciated beauty, and was able to see it in even the most humble things.

Her kitchen specialty was pistachio pudding, which was devoured at potlucks and parties. She and Royce also canned their own special spaghetti sauce using tomatoes from their garden.

She always wanted to look her best, and enjoyed wearing glamorous clothes. She loved all things leopard print.

JoEllen was gifted with a gentle and kind spirit. She was a very attentive listener, and could always offer wise words to anyone seeking her counsel. She faithfully sent birthday and thank you cards. She always made sure that those around her knew how much they were loved.

Most importantly, JoEllen was a woman of great faith. She lived out that faith in simple everyday actions. She believed it was important to share God's love with others, and did so herself by teaching children and women at church. She prayed for and praised God for all her many blessings. Her heart and eyes were open to God's work in her life.

JoEllen was preceded in death by her parents Lester and Minnie (VanKirk) Yohey, and by her brothers Orville and Howard Yohey. She is survived by her loving husband ,Royce; by her sister, Lois Linnemeier; by her three daughters, Cheryl (Thayer) Salisbury, Sandra (Robert) McCurdy, and Kelly Jo (Daniel) Ealey. Also left to fondly remember her are her grandchildren, Joseph (Jennifer), Kelcy, Preston (Brittany), Mark, Crystal (Garth), Arielle (Jose), Laurel (Bernt), Audrey (Steven), Natalie (Lucas), Brittany, and Christopher; and her 21 great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 10 at East Allen County Church of Christ at 12:00 pm with a visitation from 10:00am-12:00pm.

In honor of JoEllen's memory, plant a lush flower garden, pay attention to the birds flitting around your yard, snuggle your pet, give your loved ones extra long hugs, rub a baby's back, read a good book, snack on popcorn, send a note to a loved one. And if you really want to celebrate her life, go to church this Sunday and walk with God every day of your life. Nothing could bring her more joy than the assurance that all her friends and family will be joining her in Heaven with Jesus some day.

Donations in JoEllen's honor may be made to Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana, African Textbook Ministry (http://flanderscofc.com), or Huntington County Right to Life, Inc.