Patricia Ruth Payne Evans “Pat”, 91, was born to Claudia May and William Carl Payne on July 6, 1934, in Ottawa, KS and passed away the morning of July 23, 2025, in Hutchinson, KS.
She graduated from Ottawa High School in 1951 and later that fall, on September 3, 1951, she married Evan Lloyd Evans in Lebo, KS. Most of her married life was spent living in Lebo where she was active in the community and the United Methodist Church. In 2018, she and Evan moved to Legend of Hutchinson, where they enjoyed a life in assisted living, close to family and five loving and entertaining great-grandchildren. She became involved with Grace Bible Church and taught bible lessons at Legen of Hutchinson.
Pat was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Evan and son, Evan Eugene Evans.
She is survived by daughter, Chrystal Milazzo, grandson, Evan Michael Chorney and his partner, David Sanchez; daughter, Connie Horton and her husband, Roy; grandson, Bart Horton and his wife, Amy; and great grandchildren, Clive, Vera, Tali, Burton, and Hudson Horton. Additional survivors are siblings, Bill Payne, Barbara Plescia and Francie Payne and former daughter-in-law, Shelby Evans.
The Lord blessed Pat with a sweet spirit and a generous heart. She loved people and gave everyone the benefit of the doubt. Pat was especially fond of children. She taught Sunday School and founded the Lebo Pre-School. She was very creative and did a variety of sewing and craft projects. In her 40’s she decided to buy a flock of 50 ewes and a ram. Not only did she become a successful shepherdess, but she promoted lamb meat in grocery stores and learned to card and weave wool. Evan always had a project, and Pat was his able assistant from the clearing of brush to building a canoe. Pat’s life was never dull. She would tell you, “It was a good life!” She loved Jesus, her Savior, very much. She would strive to model her life based on his example. During the end of her life, she looked forward to joining him in Heaven and reuniting with Saints who had gone before her.
Cremation has taken place. Memorial contributions are suggested to Grace Bible Church, building fund and can be sent in care of Hutchinson Funeral Chapel, 300 E. 30th Ave, Hutchinson, KS 67502.