Evelyn Elkins (Knudsen)

Memorial services for Evelyn Elkins (Knudsen) were held Feb. 16, 2016 at Walker Funeral Home in Gillette, Wyo., with Pastor Bill Morel officiating. Evelyn passed away at Close to Home Hospice House after her short battle with cancer.

Evelyn was born to Catherine “Kate” and John Knudsen on May 22, 1937 in Chicago. At the age of 11 in 1948, her and her family moved to Whitefish where she grew up and graduated from Whitefish High School in 1955.

She was married to Edwin Elkins on Jan. 18, 1963. She was blessed with seven children, Doug, Debe “Doll,” Virginia, Jodi, Edwin “JR,” Steve, and Susan.

Evelyn worked at the Dime Store, was the Mayor of Clearmont, worked as cook at Johnson County Memorial Hospital, and worked at a couple restaurants including the Lariat Café.

The highlight of her life were her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren to whom she was their “Granny.” She had 12 grandchildren, Ron Garcia Jr, Nancy Garcia, Jeff Garcia, Jason Garcia, Kayla Norris, Tonya Bunning, Jessica Thomas, Dalton Timmer, Philip Elkins, Matthew Elkins, John Elkins, and Nicholas Knudsen. She also had 11 great-grandchildren.

Evelyn was a wonderful cook and baker. She enjoyed embroidery and crocheting. She loved to go with her family to the Cam-Plex park as well as the mountains.

She is survived by her husband, Edwin Elkins; children, Debe “Doll” (Chad) Garrison, Jodi (Doug) Berens, Edwin “Junior” Elkins, Steve (Brandi) Elkins, Susan (Ron) Naramore; sisters, Doris (Bob) Curtis, Donna (Don) Renfro; her 12 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her daughter, Virginia; her son, Doug; her parents, Catherine and John; brothers, Kenneth (Sonny) and John Jr. (Buck); and sister, Judy.

A memorial has been established to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Memorials and condolences may be sent to the family in care of Walker Funeral Home 410 Medical Arts Court Gillette, WY 82716. Condolences may also be sent to www.walkerfuneralgillette.com