Evelyn Marie (Rumford) Garrison ( 92)
Evelyn was reunited in heaven on March 5, 2018 with her husband, daughter, family and friends. Born to Rose and Floyd Rumford, Evelyn grew up in Abbyville, KS. She married Keith Garrison in 1947. In addition to raising four children, they were foster parents to many infants. Evelyn was a charter member of Trinity Heights United Methodist Church and served the church for many years on various boards and committees and as a member of the United Methodist Women.
Evelyn was a real estate agent and broker for 29 years and was a partner in Alumbaugh Realty. She served the Newton community in many wonderful ways. For 25 years she volunteered at the Newton Medical Center and was coordinator for the Newton Medical Center Auxiliary. She also served on the Newton School Board from 1969-1974 and was named Newton Woman of the Year in 1977.
Evelyn loved to sew. She enjoyed making everything from curtains to wedding dresses, but she especially loved quilts. She also taught her granddaughters to sew, crochet and quilt, a skill which is precious to all. She lovingly made brownies, ham loaf, cookie dough, cheesy potatoes, and countless other favorites that we will never forget.
Evelyn (Gram) is preceded in death by husband, Keith Garrison; daughter, Jana Young; her parents; and brother, Floyd Rumford Jr; and sister, Glenna Dellenbach.
She is survived by son, John Garrison (Jane) of Prairie Village, KS; son, Russell Garrison (Jennifer) of Marietta, OH; son, Glen Garrison (Arlene) of Newton, KS; and son-in-law, Ed Nelson of Springtown, TX. Gram also leaves behind 13 forever blessed grandchildren; Kelly (Chris), Kasey (Kate), Kyler, Karen, Becky (Tyler), Marty (Gates), Tim, Laura (Matthew), Emily, Sam, Max, Cheyenne and Montana and six great grandchildren; Izzy, Noah, Anna, Garrison, Sadie, and Ivy.
Funeral services are scheduled for10:00 a.m., Monday, March 12, 2018 at the Trinity Heights United Methodist Church of Newton. A public visitation is scheduled from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 11, 2018 at Petersen Funeral Home. Interment will follow the service at Restlawn Gardens of Memory in rural Newton.
In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established for the UMW (United Methodist Women) at Trinity Heights United Methodist Church.
Evelyn will be missed by all who knew her given her passion for helping others with anything they needed.
Petersenfamilyfuneralhome.com.
I will miss my Aunt Evelyn Garrison very much. She was the model of a happy, generous, kind, hard working, positive person. I will always remember her smile and loving ways.
I was sure sorry to hear of Evelyn’s passing. She was a second mom to me growing up in Newton, starting way back when we all lived on West 7th. My mom didn’t drive and she picked me up for school everyday in the VW bus. She helped me make my wedding dress and my bridesmaids’ dresses. She was the realtor that helped us sell our parent’s house in 1987. I will always remember her kind heart and cheerful smile.
Your Mom has a special place in my heart and always will! I remember her from growing up in Trinity Heights Church! She was always so involved with the kids and their activities! She was one of the main reasons, Mike and I joined THUMC as a newly married couple. I will always remember her wonderful smile and helping attitude! She always had so much energy and managed to accomplish so much without complaining! She will be missed and always remembered!