Evelyn M. Allen, 87, passed to her eternal home on Friday, April 13, 2018. She was born to the late Dr. Harold K. and Miriam (Niesley) Sheets, in McPherson, Kansas, on September 3, 1930.
She graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University, Marion, Indiana, in 1952, with a B.S. Degree in Music Education, and from Portland State University, Portland, Oregon, in 1970, with a B.A. Degree in Elementary Education. She taught in elementary schools in Iowa and Indiana.
Evelyn married Ronald G. Rhoades on June 3, 1952. Until the time of his death on May 30, 1986, she contributed in music and teaching ministries where he served as pastor in Iowa, Minnesota, Texas and Oregon.
Surviving are their three children: Stephen E. (Debra) Rhoades, L’Anse, Michigan, M. Joanne (Paul) Heavilin, Bluffton, Indiana, and Randall W. (Sherry) Rhoades, Guthrie Center, Iowa; six grandchildren, Adam (Bea) Stewart, Melbourne, Florida, Brook (Justin) Jaskowiak, Pflugerville, Texas, Chelsea (Billy) Baudler, Fontanelle, Iowa, Cerissa (Ben) Smith, Adel, Iowa, Michael (Justine) Rhoades, Wilmore, Kentucky, and Keaton (Brey) Rhoades, Guthrie Center, Iowa; five great-grandchildren; two sisters, Arlene (Robert) Hughes, Brentwood, California and Joanne (Nate) Krupp, Salem, Oregon; and many nieces and nephews.
She married William K. Allen on August 28, 1993, with whom she shared retirement years, traveling to visit family and touring with groups to several Canadian Provinces. Several winters were enjoyed in Florida. He preceded her in death, at which time she relocated to Christian Care Retirement Community, Bluffton, IN.
She was a lifelong member and supporter of The Wesleyan Church, and in more recent years, she attended Hope Missionary Church, Bluffton, Indiana. She also supported several organizations which included, Concerned Women for America and Pro-Life Alliance.
The family will receive visitors from 9 to 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 17, 2018, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, Storey Chapel, 400 East Main St., Gas City, Indiana. A service to celebrate Evelyn’s life will begin at 11 a.m. with Pastor Gary Aupperle officiating. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Harold K. Sheets Scholarship Fund, c/o Westview Wesleyan Church, 1300 W. 6th St., Jonesboro, Indiana 46938.
Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.