Evelyn K. Pankratz passed away peacefully at home on Nov 21, 2019. She was born on July 18, 1934, at Bethel Deaconess Hospital to Phillip Stucky and Roma Schrag Stucky.
She attended Marion County Country one-room school for her elementary education. She was a Burns 1952 High School graduate. She attended Zion Mennonite Church and was baptized on May 23, 1948, by the Rev. H J Dyck and then became a member there. During her youth, a missionary nurse spoke on nursing, which influenced her lifelong career. She entered the Halstead School of Nursing and graduated in 1957. She spent 40-plus years as a registered nurse including two and one-half years in voluntary service in Chicago.
On July 20, 1963, she married Harvey W. Pankratz at Zion Mennonite church in Elbing. Their home was made in Halstead. In 1991, they moved to Newton.
Survivors include husband Harvey, daughter Sheryl of Elkhart Indiana, son Everett and wife Donna, step sons Eric and Brad of Newton KS. Sister Carolyn and husband Marvin Gehring of Whitewater KS, Brother Jerald and wife Eileen of Buhler KS, Brother Ron and wife Carolyn of Inman KS. Also many nieces and nephews.
Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents and many cousins.
Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 26, at First Mennonite Church with Pastor Anita Kehr presiding. Burial will precede at 10 a.m. at Greenwood Cemetery in Newton. Visitation will be from 5 to 9 p.m. Monday at Petersen Funeral Home in Newton with the family receiving friends from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Memorials are suggested to the Kansas Learning Center for Health in Halstead, Harry Hines Hospice or The First Mennonite Church in care of Petersen Funeral Home.
