Evelyn Elsie (Vavrusa) Kanak

She left this earth peacefully with her children by her side. Evelyn was the light of her children’s lives, raising them with strength, grace, and unwavering love for over 33 years as a devoted single mother after the loss of her husband. A proud graduate of Baldwin Business College class of 1957, she built a long and fulfilling career, contributing her talents to KJZT and Enviroquip before ultimately retiring—reluctantly—at the age of 79 from The Higher Education Coordinating Board in Austin, Texas, only because the traffic became too much to navigate. Evelyn’s deep sense of duty and love extended to her grandchildren, always stepping in to make sure they were off to school, practices, or wherever they needed to be. She was the one you could count on—steady, present, and always willing to help. Evelyn had a heart for service and lived her faith every day, grounded in her deep devotion to the Catholic Church. Her life was a testament to quiet strength and compassion, and her presence brought warmth and stability to everyone around her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Adolph Frank Vavrusa and Elsie Vasek; her beloved husband, Rudolph Tom Kanak; and her granddaughter, Paige Elaine Kanak.

She is survived by her sister, Elsie Ethel Vavrusa Geodrich and husband Harvey; her three children: Randolph Carl Kanak and his wife, Sherry; Sharon Dene Barnes and her husband, Steve; and Karen Renee Replogle and her husband, Brian. She was a proud grandmother to Dustin Replogle, Lauren Replogle, Reece Replogle; Blake Kanak and his wife, KyLene; Kyle Troxell and his wife, Gabby; and JT Barnes and his wife, Challis. She was also blessed with great-grandchildren: Bryson Barnes, Branson Barnes, Oaklee Barnes, and the soon-to-arrive great-grandson, Lawson Clay Troxell.

Pallbearers will be her grandchildren: Dustin Replogle, Lauren Replogle, Reece Replogle, Blake Kanak, Kyle Troxell, and JT Barnes.

Evelyn will be remembered for her resilience, her deep devotion to family and faith, and the light she brought into the lives of all who knew her. She had a spirited nature and a love for life’s simple comforts — she was rarely seen wearing shoes, always preferring to go barefoot, a simple joy that reflected her carefree and grounded soul. We'll miss her outstanding chicken and dumplings and Ranger Cookies. Because someone we love is in Heaven, there’s a little Heaven in our homes—and that someone will always be Evelyn—a sister, a friend, a mother, and a granny.

A visitation for Evelyn will be held Monday, June 9, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Weed-Corley-Fish South Chapel, 2620 South Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas 78704. A recitation of the holy rosary will occur 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Deacon Gilbert Moreno will be officiating a funeral service celebrating the life of Mrs. Evelyn Kanak, 88, occurring Monday, June 9, 2025 at 12:00 PM. A burial will occur Monday, June 9, 2025 at Assumption Cemetery, 3650 S IH 35, Austin, Texas 78704.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Austin Humane Society (https://austinhumanesociety.org), Wounded Warrior Project (https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/), or you may plant a tree in her honor at South Texas Reforestation with A Living Tribute (https://shop.alivingtribute.org/products/plant-a-tree-texas).