Evanell graduated from McCallum High School in 1956 and married Robert Louis Bates, a Navy Veteran, on May 31, 1958. Upon Robert’s return to the Navy, she embarked on a career as a Navy wife where she enjoyed travel and adventures met with determination, courage and humor. She was active in the Navy Wives Club often serving as an officer, where she was a confidant, advocate, mentor and advisor to fellow military spouses. Additionally, she served as a foster parent for three infants. Evanell furthered her passion for tending to the wellbeing of others by becoming a certified Stephen Minister at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church before eventually returning to college and graduating Summa Cum Laude from St. Edward’s University in 1994 with a degree in Psychology. She then went on to pursue a master’s in psychology from Oxford University, graduating with honors. She worked in private practice as a Life Coach, as well as at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church as a Family Counselor where she provided counseling services not just for members of the church but also Leander ISD and Williamson County communities.
Evanell was also a very talented musician. She learned to play piano at a young age from Mrs. Spicer and played piano and organ for churches at their various Navy duty stations. Following in her father’s footsteps, was also a choir director at Good Shepherd, became the Minister of Music and taught music for grades K-5 at church school. She also brought her love of piano to many young students by teaching lessons over a 30-year period. She was a gifted visual artist that expressed her talents through both painting and drawing and by establishing a small business as an interior decorator.
Evanell is preceded in death by her beloved husband CAPT Robert Bates, Supply Corps, U.S. Navy, (Retired) and her sister Delores Ross. She is survived by her son Stephen Bates, her daughters CAPT Rebecca Bates, Medical Service Corps, U.S. Navy (Retired), Elizabeth Bates Bronkhorst and son-in-law John Bronkhorst, and grandchildren Zachary and Caroline Bronkhorst. Her children would like to thank the loving care she received from Arlisa Collington , Leonecia Perry, and Junia Hudson, as well as Michelle, Brie and Judy Mendiata at Heartview Haven. Special thanks to Dawn Porter, Ev’s hospice nurse with New Century Hospice. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Leukemia Lymphoma Association.
A funeral service for Evanell will be held Wednesday, November 13, 2024 from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1500 West Anderson Lane, Austin, TX 78757. Following the funeral service will be a graveside service from 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home & Cemetery, 14501 N Interstate Hwy 35, Pflugerville, TX 78660.
