Mary Evinger

Mary Virginia (Stephens) Evinger went to be with our Lord on January 19, 2021. A private family service has already taken place.

Mary was born to Verlon “Pete” R. Stephens and Evelyn (Courier) Stephens on January 24, 1928, in Independence, MO.  Mary attended Northeast High School, where she met her future husband, Don Evinger. Mary graduated with the class of 1946 from Glennon High School in Kansas City, MO.  The high school sweethearts married in the year 1948 in Independence, MO.

Mary attended College of Paola and Ursuline Academy in Paola, KS. She was then employed by Southwestern Bell until 1952, after which she devoted her life to the raising of her three children, Sheila, David, and Cindy.  In 1954, Mary and Don moved their family to Mandan, ND, when Don transferred to the Standard Oil Refinery.

Together, Mary and Don were active parishioners at Christ the King School and Catholic Church. Don laid brick and block work for its construction and Mary often served as a home room mother, utilizing her creativity to make the school and musical events special.

Mary was renowned for her skill at sewing. One year, for the Christmas music program, she made royal purple choir gowns for the entire class.  This caught the attention of Msgr. Galowitsch for whom she began sewing black dress shirts.  The favor soon extended to other priests of the parish as well!  She considered it a privilege to provide her time and talents for the servants of our Lord and the Church.

After many happy years on their family farm south of Mandan, Don retired from AMOCO Refinery and they opted to move south to Rogers, AR, for a more agreeable climate familiar from their youth.  Year after year, Mary proved her green thumb as an avid gardener curating beautiful, award-winning landscapes at their home.  She loved to be outdoors and spent countless hours tending her flowers and vegetation.  Her hands were equally skilled knitting intricate sweaters and afghans and in the kitchen cooking and baking family delights, including Don’s favorite, gooseberry pie with her unparalleled homemade crust.

Mary was beloved for her inquiring mind, her sharp wit, and her attention to the smallest details.  She was always eager to listen and learn from her grandchildren about their interests and activities.  Going so far as purchasing her own personal computer in the mid 90’s to play video games with them!  She was also a health enthusiast and took great pride in caring for her home and her husband during the 28 years spent together in retirement there.

In their remaining time together, they moved back to North Dakota to be near family.

Mary is survived by her son, David (Lynn) Evinger of Minneapolis, MN, and their children, Mark (Tasha), Lora, and Thea; her daughter, Cindy (James) Doll of Bismarck and their children, Amanda (Kyle) Engelhardt and David (Beth); seven great grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by Don, her husband of 71 years; daughter, Sheila; a granddaughter, Samantha; her sister, Norma Buzan; and both her parents.

Grant eternal rest onto Mary Evinger, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon her.  May the soul of Your faithful departed rest in peace.  Amen