Evelyn Jean Barnard

Our beautiful and loving mother, Evelyn Barnard, passed away at the age of 87, on October 16, 2021, with her husband, Bill, by her side and surrounded by her children. We miss her so much, but know she is now with her Lord and in such a peaceful place. Evelyn was such a sweet and loving woman, and everybody she met would remember her kind and vivacious personality. She was an incredibly special person and she loved her family so unconditionally – family was everything to her. She touched a lot of people and the world is a much better place because of her. We are so fortunate that she was our mom, wife, grandma and great-grandma. Our hearts are breaking.

Born in Ness City, Kansas, to John and Mary Fox on January 24, 1934, Evelyn attended school there until she moved with her family to Denver, Colorado, in 1942 to complete her schooling. She had two brothers, Vernon Fox (deceased) and Donald Fox, and one sister, Marilyn Cameron. Evelyn was married to William (Bill) Barnard on January 19, 1952. The couple were dedicated to each other for nearly 70 years, during which time they raised two daughters and two sons while living in Commerce City, Colorado. Evelyn and Bill enjoyed many trips together all over the USA, the Bahamas (1979), a cruise of the islands of the Eastern Caribbean (1994), Hawaii (1978), as well as to Mexico and Canada, and to England in 2004.

Evelyn was a hard worker who maintained the family home inside and out, and was always ready to go dancing or celebrate birthdays and holidays with her family. The family all have treasured memories of being in Evelyn and Bill’s home, especially at Christmastime. Evelyn was regularly active in her church, Our Lady Mother of the Church in Commerce City, where she was a member of the Altar and Rosary Society, and she also enjoyed contributing to the Adams County Historical Society. Evelyn was well-known as a school bus driver for Adams 14 School District for almost 26 years and her former students still remember her fondly. She enjoyed being with the students and keeping them safe while traveling to and from school. These children (now adults) will never forget having a warm, friendly bus driver to greet them every day. To us, she was Mom, the most generous and beautiful person we have ever known. She will forever be in our hearts as we miss her beyond what words can express. We know that Jesus prepared a special place in Heaven for her many years ago.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents John and Mary Fox; one brother, Vernon Fox; and one sister-in-law, Janet Fox. Survivors include her husband, William Barnard; her sister Marilyn Cameron (Denny) and brother Donald Fox; her children, Greg (Dawn); Rhonda Janik (Jim); Vicki Whalen (Mike); Terry (Nikki); nine grandchildren, Melissa, Valerie, Ryan, Derek, Kelly, Erik, Avery, Holly and Peyton; and eight great-grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association in Evelyn’s name.