Evelyn Irene Atwood

Evelyn Irene Atwood passed away peacefully at the age of 77 on Saturday, May 20th, 2023 at her home.

Evelyn was born on January 31, 1946 to Gerald and Myrtle Kindig in Horton, Kansas. She graduated from Silver Lake High School in 1964 and attended Washburn University where she met her future husband, James "Jim" Atwood.

Jim and Evelyn were married on August 21st, 1965 in Silver Lake. They had two daughters, Susan (Susie) and Rebecca (Becky). They owned and operated Thompson-Crawley Furniture from 1971-2012. They had a good life together.

Evelyn loved life! She was described as a grand lady who never left the house without her lipstick. She also loved everything Kansas. She gave over 30 years volunteering for the Kansas Historical Society giving tours at the Kansas Museum of History and the Kansas Capitol. In 2014, an article in the Topeka Capital Journal, highlighted how this Capitol Tour Guide "Knows Her Facts". Kids would often wonder on field trips how Mrs. Atwood could be the Museum giving them a tour in the morning and then teach them more Kansas history while giving them a tour at the Capitol in the afternoon. She would tell them that they got a tour from her evil twin in the morning and now they were getting the nice one. She eventually became employed by the Kansas Historical Society as a teacher in her late 60's. She also spent time teaching at State Street School.

Evelyn was talented in so many ways. Years ago, she was an amazing seamstress sewing both of her daughter's wedding gowns. That must have been enough sewing as her talents led her to wood carving and cross stitch. Her love of Kansas and sunflowers spilled over into her work. One look around her home and her love of sunflowers were everywhere-even on her silverware. She belonged to the Kaw Valley Wood Carvers and participate in a number of community events tied to them.

She was active in other groups as well. Her book club, Current Literature, she enjoyed immensely. Her church, First United Methodist Church and the Sunday school classes. She was a lifelong member of the Eastern Star, In Loyal Chapter No 176. She chaired the ERC Designer Showhouse when it was the first to be done in the lofts downtown.

Evelyn and her sister, Janet and Karen enjoyed researching family history and took trips through Iowa, Kansas and Missouri to various cemeteries. There usually involved a group selfie of the three that never really turned out liked they hoped, but was always full of laughter.

She had many friends and they would do all sorts of fun things together: Topeka Civic Theater, monthly coffees, KU Basketball games and travel. And travel they did from Yellowstone to the Panama Canal to Helsinki, Finland to England all the way back to Lincoln, Kansas. She had been planning on 3 more trips in the upcoming year-Canada and the Caribbean.

Evelyn leaves behind her daughters, Susan (Matt) Mahoney and Becky (Jason) Bridges. Her beloved grandchildren, Joseph Mahoney, Anna (Chris) DeLong, Jade Atwood, Heath Bridges, Mateo Collins and Malaysia Atwood. Her sisters, Janet Allen and Karen Setlak. She had numerous nieces and nephews. She is proceeded in death by her parents, her husband Jim and her brother Curtis Kindig.

Evelyn made the point that as long as she could climb stairs, she would continue to give tours at the Capitol. This past March, that time came to stop when she was diagnosed with Glioblastoma. The family would like to thank the care provided by Phoenix Hospice. Her daughters considered it their honor to be with and care for their mother during this past 8 weeks.

Per her request, she was cremated and graveside services will be held on June 1st, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at the Auburn Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to the Stach School on the grounds of the Kansas Museum of History where she and her husband volunteered many hours. They can be sent to 6425 SW 6th Avenue, Topeka, KS 66615. Please be sure to specify "Stach School" on your donation.

To leave a message for her family online, please visit the guestbook below.