Evelyn G. Epperson

Her parents were Charles Henry Lentz and Zula Gay Bell Lentz. Charlie was a farm mechanic and musician, known for his fiddle playing at dances. He passed away in 1950 at the age of 75.

Zula was a homemaker and had been previously married to Austin Salkill. Zula and Austin had 3 children who became half siblings to Evelyn. Zula passed away in 1964.

The marriage of Charles and Zula produced 3 children. Three girls, Wanda Jewel, Evelyn and Mary.

Evelyn and her sisters grew up in the Springfield area, attending schools there, and graduating from Springfield High in 1946. She worked at various jobs until 1949 when she married Ben Epperson on June 25, 1949. They would eventually relocate to Wichita, Kansas in 1951, as her sisters and their husbands went there for employment in the aircraft industry.

By this time the first of 5 children, Mary, was born, April 15, 1950 in Springfield. Followed by Tim in 1952 and Cathy in 1953. With a growing family Ben and Evelyn moved around some in Wichita. With Ben working first at Steffens Dairy and then for Phillips 66 they moved to at least 4 different locations.

The domestic goddess that she was, Evelyn ran a taut ship. The home was on schedule regardless of how high spirited the kids became. And they were...By the time 1956 rolled around there was an addition of another son Michael, and 1957 brought Sheryl home.

Mom was the anchor that we all loved. Some friends that we recall were the Bruners, Haurys and Dickinsons. By 1958 we had moved several more times and just about to set up home on Beebe. We lived in that home the longest. From 1962 to 1969.

A wonderful home and many fond memories. Mom loved animals, pets that is, and had a cat named Tiger for many years. We acquired Dot, our part Beagle and Corgie dog, at this time and several parakeets, plus Tiger in tow. We have fond memories of helping with dishes and laundry. We had an old ringer washer at first and hung clothes out to dry on a line. Mom always made sure we had a snack ready when we got home from school. She was also the nurse to our ailments and taught us all to sing….kinda. We had several family favorites and many French ditties.

It was during this time on Bebe that we were introduced to missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We joined in the fall of 1966 and embraced the changes to the social lifestyle of the 60’s. Mom had been a diehard Camel cigarette girl for a while. But decided to go cold turkey when joining the church.

Mom acquired many new friends during this time, Judy Craft, Kathy Bazzelle, Pearl Bates, Lupe Orr, the Balzers, Nicklins, Kirbys, Rouses and Langtons to mention a few.

She had many callings while a member of the church but the kids of the Primary were the ones most dear to her.

Mom was a solitary sort, but very opinionated at times. She would not hesitate to let you know her mind when asked...and sometimes just to let you know. She kept us all on our toes with her wit and screeching...inside joke. Mom was also an avid gardener and we always had veggies to supplement our groceries. The home on Bebe had a huge backyard and she planted rows of corn, tomatoes, potatoes and assorted veggies and melons. Her other love was her rose bushes.

Occasionally we took trips back to Springfield to see family, and vacation at Swan Creek near Lake Taneycomo. It was fun times.

In 1969 we all uprooted from Wichita to upstate New York, with a Pizza Hut franchise job for dad. It was a big adjustment for all, especially mom leaving all her siblings behind. She had us kids and soon grandkids. Mary had married Jerry Dean Rucker in 1969, he was off in VietNam in the Navy(reminds me of a song….), with Mary about to give birth, mom was in her motherly element. All us kids were growing up.

Life in New York was different but mom had a home to run and energy to keep us all happy in our new surroundings. Carrie Lynn Rucker was born during this time followed by brother John, born in Wichita, soon after. Happy times. Most of us kids were working at Pizza Hut and going to school also. Even mom would occasionally don a uniform and help out. Mom was a homemaker and took a lot of pride in her home and family. She had a knack for decorating and was always a very stylish woman. Dad had a lot of very affectionate terms for her, like his brown eyes, and Lana, after Lana Turner, to mention just a few. While dad was with Pizza Hut in New York they had a chance to take trips to Hawaii. Mom loved the beach and cruising.

In 1970 we all took a trip to Salt Lake City to be sealed together in the temple. Other trips included one to New York City to see the sites...it was an adventure and many lasting memories. By 1973 a lot had changed, Tim and Cathy had graduated. Tim in the US AirForce and Cathy soon married Mark Voelckers, Mike and Sheryl becoming independent also.

1974 brought even more change and a move with Pizza Hut to Utah. While in Utah Mike and Sheryl graduated, dad left Pizza Hut and he and mom ran a gas station at Trolley Square. Utah was a different life and they realized they missed Wichita. Dad was able to get back with Phillps 66 and Harpool Brothers, and the move back to Wichita happened in 1976. Mike and Sheryl came back also and Mary and Jerry were here too. Cathy was still in New York with her family, and Tim was still in the USAF.

Mom loved being back among her friends here and her sisters were still in Wichita. They moved back to the westside of Wichita, the Brunswick home. Loved that home with a pool out back. The homes in New York and Utah also had pools. Her floral garden at Brunswick was a sight to behold. Mike sure picked up that gene from her. Many years at that address would see more grandkids from Mary and Cathy. Soon a marriage to Brice Anderson for Sheryl in 1978. Tim returned to Wichita in 1978 after his Air Force duty, time in Germany and school in Florida to attend Sheryl’s wedding.

By the time the 80’s rolled around mom had seen a lot more grandkids and another marriage, of Tim to Pennie in 1981. Dad had several changes in employment in those years, always in the automotive industry. Mom was running the home and keeping up with service at church.

Many years passed with a change in residence to the home on Chautauqua. Beautiful home with a lot of heartfelt memories there. Many RV excursions and a lot of health issues over the years, The passing of siblings for both mom and dad, two grandkids, a great grandson and a son in law. So is life. We are grateful for the time we have with each other. Our mom leaves a legacy of kindness, generosity, charity, tenaciousness and love. Also 18 grandkids, 48 great grandkids and 5 great great grandkids. She will be missed. But will never be forgotten.