Evelyn S. Hanson

Born March 8, 1926 in Winfield, Iowa, Evelyn was the middle child of George and Priscilla (Bretz) Swearingen. Along with her two brothers, George Robert and Dean, Evelyn grew up on their family farm, a small parcel held for over 150 years by generations of Swearingens. Off a dirt road, with a two story house which had no electricity when Evelyn was born, the farm was recognized by the state of Iowa in 2007 as a “Heritage Farm.” Although the family struggled as many did during the Great Depression, all three siblings attended Iowa State University.

Evelyn studied Home Economics at Iowa State in Ames, where she became an active member of the Sigma Kappa sorority, a connection which she kept active all of her adult life. At a college dance she met Allen ("Al") Hanson, a Geology student and ex-Marine who had served overseas in World War II. Evelyn married Allen in 1947 at the Collegiate Presbyterian Church in Ames, leaving Iowa State shortly afterward.

After Al completed his studies, he and Evelyn moved to California where the prospects for geologists were more promising than in the Midwest. Allen and Evelyn first lived in Whittier, where their two children Brian and Nancy were born, and then moved on to Ventura when his employer, Tidewater (later renamed Getty Oil Company), transferred him in 1959. During the 33 years Al was employed in the oil industry, the Hansons made many close friendships in the local oil community.

Dedicated churchgoers, Evelyn and Allen were members of Eastminister Presbyterian Church (now Orchard Community Church) until they were no longer able to attend. Both served as deacons and in other positions, contributing much time and effort to help make the church a vibrant gathering place.

When Evelyn began working as a teacher at the Margaret Hope Preschool in the mid 60's, she found teaching to be her calling. “Teacher Evelyn”, as she was called by her students, loved seeing her young students blossom as they learned social skills and gained confidence in an educational environment. After her years at Margaret Hope, Evelyn brought together her church life and her working life by founding the Sonshine Preschool at Eastminister Church. Evelyn served as a preschool teacher for 31 years, long enough that she sometimes found herself teaching the children of previous students.

Evelyn also enjoyed being involved in the activities of both of her children, supporting their interests in Scouting, music and sports. Later in life she and Allen became avid travelers, embarking on tours to Europe, Australia, New Zealand and throughout the USA. For many years at Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, and during other family visits, she would entertain her children and grandchildren with stories of their travel adventures.

An active member for many years in the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and the Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO, founded in Iowa), Evelyn served in numerous officer positions with both groups. She also enjoyed regularly attending the San Buenaventura Women's Club.

Evelyn is survived by her daughter Nancy; her son Brian (Linda), and their children, grandsons David (Carla) of Fort Collins, CO, and Todd of Santa Monica; and her cousin Willis (Bill) W. Shaner (Vicky) of Fort Collins, CO.

Services will be held at Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, in Ventura, on Wednesday, September 6, 2017. Open casket viewing will take place from 10:00 am until 11:15 am, with the main service beginning at 11:30 am. A short graveside service to follow at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park.

Contributions in memory of Evelyn may be sent to Project Understanding, PO Box 25460, Ventura, CA 93002-2280.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to TedMayrFuneralHome.com.