Evelyn K. (Bauer) Billenwillms -- 2011

Evelyn Billenwillms passed away Saturday, March 12, 2011 in Canadian, Texas.

Evelyn Billenwillms was born Sept. 21, 1924 on the family homestead north of Burlington, as the middle child, to the late Anna Marie Bauder and Martin Bauer. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Church in the Settlement north of Burlington. She attended elementary school in the country, often riding her pony to school. But, once she was promoted to high school, she had to move to town. She and her brothers all at-tended Burlington High School where they rented a room during the week and “batched” as she called it. She graduated in 1942. After graduation she worked for JC Penny as a bookkeeper until her marriage to Verle Lloyd (Bud) Billenwillms on March 16, 1945 in Goodland, Kan. He preceded her in death on June 19, 1986.

Evelyn lived in Hoxie and Sharon Springs, Kan., and in 1979, she and Verle moved to Canadian, Texas. Evelyn was a longtime member of the Lutheran Church as well as the Methodist Church in Canadian, Texas. She taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, and she belonged to the Women’s Missionary Group. She made sure her children were all confirmed members of the church, even driving them to the nearby town of Tribune, Kan. for Saturday morning classes. She was a member of Order of the Eastern Star, where she achieved the highest honor of being chosen Worthy Matron of the chapter. She was also a member of Homemakers Extension Unit, and was a dedicated 4-H leader. She worked and volunteered at the Edward Abraham Memorial Home. She was a loving mother of three and dedicated her life to her kids and grandkids. She was always there for each and every one of them when they needed her. Her support for all of them in their activities while growing up was never wavered. When the great-grandkids came along her dedication was the same.

She is preceded in death by her son-in-law Ronald Harris. She is survived by two brothers; Walter Bauer and Daniel Bauer; two daughters; Shelia Harris of San Antonio, Texas; Sharon Billenwillms of Dumas, Texas; one son; Dennis Bil-lenwillms and wife Velda of Canadian, Texas; five grandchildren; Jarrod Billenwillms and wife Valorie of Perryton; Texas; Justin Billenwillms of Tulsa, Okla.; Katie Beth Harris Bingham and husband Christopher of San Antonio; Texas, Ryan Harris and wife Carole of San Anto-nio, Texas; and Erick Harris of San Antonio, Texas; seven great-grandchildren; Myrranda (MoJo), Shaune, and Seth Billenwillms; Karibeth and Christina Bingham; Adeyla Harris; and Riley Harris. Graveside services for Evelyn K. Billenwillms, 86, of Canadian, Texas were at 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 15, 2011 at Fairview Cemetery in Burlington with Pastor Bill Viergutz, officiating.

Interment followed under the direction of Hughs Funeral Home of Canadian, Texas. You may send memorials to Hemphill County Hospice, 1020 South Fourth Street, Canadian, TX 79014, or Edward Abraham Memorial Home, 803 Birch Street, Canadian, TX 79014. Addresses for the immediate family are as follows: Sheila (Billenwillms) Harris, 7350 Whithers Lane San Antonio, TX 78240; Sharon Billenwillms, 227 Pear, Dumas, TX 79029; Dennis and Velda (Dean) Billenwillms, PO Box 434, Canadian, TX 79014.