Evelyn Helen Ritchie Glissman, 83, of Valley Falls, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 24, 2023 at Kelly House of Meriden.

Evelyn was born on June 8, 1939 at the family home in Valley Falls, to Ed M. and Pearl M. Davis Ritchie. Evelyn spent her childhood on the family farm where she developed her life-long love of animals; once even making a pet out of a baby raccoon. Dogs were Evelyn- real passion and she always owned a dog until she was no longer able to live on her own.

Evelyn attended elementary through high school at Valley Falls, graduating in 1957.

Evelyn married Joseph Glissman on September 17, 1960 in Valley Falls. They later divorced. Out of this union came three children. Their first child, Michael David was born on October 23, 1961. Sheryl Dianne was born December 11, 1962. Their final child, Jody Lynn, came on January 15, 1974.

Evelyn worked several different jobs during her life, but by far her favorite job was being the elementary school secretary at Valley Falls Elementary School. Evelyn began working for the school in the fall of 1968 and stayed 29 years until her retirement in 1997. Evelyn loved all of the students that passed through her door making each feel special and loved.

Evelyn finished her working years at the Kansas Department on Aging from 1997-2001. During her tenure at the State, she met Tom Williams, who would become her companion until 2016.

Evelyn enjoyed reading and spending time with her friends, but by far, her favorite pastime was spending time with her family. Evelyn was blessed with 9 grandchildren (Danielle, Kari, Cody, Chelsea, Shelbie, Kolbie, Kyle, Tyler and Peyton) and 12 great grandchildren (Kaliegh, Emersyn, Logan, Kohen, Serenity, Kenzi, Ellianna, Kayden, Kolt, Vada, Cort, and Slader).

Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents, an infant sister, Thersa Yvonne, and a great grandson, Slader.

Survivors include her brother, Ed Ritchie (Nogie) of Topeka; her children, Michael (Lori) Glissman of Valley Falls, Sheryl (Byron) Robertson of Evans, Colorado and Jody (Melvin) Lockhart of Valley Falls; 9 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will begin at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, March 4, 2023 at the Kendall Bank Hall in Valley Falls. Private Family Burial will be at the Valley Falls Cemetery. The family hopes visitors will share their memories of Evelyn at the Celebration. Memorials may be made to Valley Falls City Pool at Delaware Pointe or Jefferson County Humane Society c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 6, Valley Falls, Kansas 66088. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.