Evelyn A. Loyd, 94, of Hiawatha, died peacefully Monday evening, April 4, 2016, at Maple Heights Nursing Home in Hiawatha, where she had been a resident a few weeks. 

Evelyn was born February 26, 1922, at Denton, Kansas, one of five daughters born to Charles and Lucy May Swartz Gish and had lived in the northeast Kansas area her entire life.  She grew up at Denton, attended grade school there prior to graduating Denton High School with the class of 1939.  Evelyn graduated Highland Community Junior College with an associate’s degree prior to attending Kansas State University for a year.  

Mrs. Loyd was a longtime member of the Powhattan United Methodist Church and UMW of the Church.  While her children were young, she was a 4-H sewing leader.  Also a member of Wenger Post #373, Powhattan American Legion Auxiliary; NeoCentury Study Club; Grand Prairie FCE Unit; and the Grand Prairie Club.  She also enjoyed getting together with several ladies and quilting for the Brown County Historical Society.  One of her greatest joys was making wedding dresses for her daughter and grand-daughter.

She was married to Carroll H. Loyd, October 30, 1943, at her parent’s home at Denton.  They farmed and raised livestock near Powhattan until retiring in 1983.  She also drove a school bus for Powhattan Schools for 7 years.  They moved to Hiawatha to make their home in 2001. Through the years, they enjoyed taking trips with the family.   He died July 8, 2013.  She was also preceded in death by her parents; a son Max in 2004; three sisters:  Harriet Myers, Elva Mae Booth, and Mildred Eby. 

Survivors include three children:  Marjorie Loyd, and Duane Loyd, both of Topeka, Carolyn (John) Andres of Hiawatha; a daughter in law Georgia Loyd of rural Hiawatha; a sister Doris Dollar of Tulsa, OK;  three grandchildren:  Matthew (Allison) Loyd of Tulsa, OK, Lisa (Jeff) Meyer of Ottawa, Bradley (Ashley) Andres of the family farm north of Powhattan;   7 great-grandchildren:  Madeline Loyd; Jotham, Josiah, and Elizabeth Meyer; Ava, Cooper and Brentley Andres..

A Celebration of Evelyn’s Life is planned for 10 a.m. Saturday, April 9, at Powhattan United Methodist Church, with Reverend Priscilla Davies officiating.  Interment will follow at the Powhattan Cemetery.

Friends may call at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha after 10 a.m. Friday, where the family will meet with friends from 6 until 8 that evening.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Powhattan United Methodist Church or Little Hands Daycare, which may be sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., 66434.

A special message or remembrance may be sent to the family at www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com