Evelyn Willard Beaty

    Evelyn Willard Beaty passed away on July 5, 2019 at The Health Center at Brewster Place, Topeka, Kansas. 
    She was born to Rosa (Kenner) Willard and Jesse James Willard in Groesbeck, Texas on February 13, 1925. She attended school in Groesbeck, Texas until a few months prior to graduation. She moved to Lorenzo, Texas and graduated from Lorenzo High School. She attended classes on computer science at Howard College Lamesa Campus.
    On May 21, 1942 she married John Louis “J.L.” Beaty of Lorenzo at the home of Pastor Fox of Petersburg, Texas. They were married for 62 years until his death in 2005. 
    Evelyn and J.L. lived in Lamesa, Texas from 1950-1997 when she and J.L. moved to Lawrence, Kansas to be near her daughter’s family. In 2015 she moved to The Health Center at Brewster Place in Topeka, Kansas.
    She had three children David Louis, Dennis Wayne, and Marsha Gail. Dennis Wayne died shortly after birth, David Louis passed in 2000. 
    Marsha “Gail” Ellis, son in law James “Jim” of Lawrence and grandson Andrew Ellis of Salem, Oregon survive. Her granddaughter, Jaylyn Beaty and great- granddaughter, Rylan Beaty of Topeka also survive. 
    A lifelong friend, Ruth Baker, of Lenexa, Kansas gave her much joy in life.
    One brother, Joe D. Willard of Tulsa, Oklahoma survives. Her siblings Faye Nixon, James Willard, Vivian Peters, and Mary Ann Willard predeceased her passing.
    A graveside service was held on July 9, 2019 at the Natural Burial section of Oak Hills Memorial Cemetery. The cremains of her husband, John Louis Beaty were buried with her at that time.
    She was always curious and eager to learn. She was talented in math and accounting. She worked for forty years as the office manager and accountant for G.K. “Bub” McDonald and his enterprises, including The Lamesa Gin. She enjoyed playing bridge, quilting, traveling, remodeling her home (and it still stands after 100 years). She was generous with her talents with family and friends.
    Family requests donations to be made to Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center through their website at www.wildflower.org.
    Lawrence Chapel Oaks Cremation & Funeral Services is assisting the family. See www.chapeloaksne.com.
– Press-Reporter obituary services