Kathryn Evans

Graveside services for Kathryn Line Evans, 87, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, July 1, 2023, at Oak Lawn Cemetery, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Mrs. Evans passed away at 9:41 a.m., Monday, June 5, 2023, at Ozarks Medical Center.  

She was born in Rolla, Missouri in 1935.  As a child, she and her younger sister, Carolyn, helped her parents, Kenneth and Bernice, run a local general store, and in her teens, Kathy became the family cook while her parents tended the store.   Kathy loved cooking and her culinary skills became an integral part of her adult life.  Kathy graduated with a teaching degree from Central Methodist College in 1957 and accepted a job as a physical education teacher in Fulton, Missouri.   During college, Kathy met her future husband, Steve Evans, from West Plains, and they married in August of that year.  Steve finished his accounting degree at the University of Missouri, joined the Navy as a career officer, and Kathy and Steve’s 65 year-long adventure as best friends began.  

Kathy and her family lived in 9 states and served in 2 foreign countries, but no matter where they lived, Kathy insisted they explore the region and experience the local culture.  She especially loved the warmth and passion of Philippine culture.  Kathy found great satisfaction in decorating each of the numerous homes she and Steve lived in, and her cooking and hostessing skills were admired and appreciated throughout Steve’s naval career.  It was a lifestyle she truly enjoyed and often commented that her role as a wife and mother of 2 boys, Martin and Bryan, was completely fulfilling. 

After Steve retired from the Navy and accepted a teaching position at Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida, Kathy and Steve moved into a house they designed and built on the St. Johns River.  In 2006, almost 40 years and 28 houses later, the Ozark’s hills called Kathy and Steve back to West Plains and to their final home together.  Kathy always felt she had enjoyed a life surrounded by a supportive and loving family, including the fellowship of the First United Methodist Church in West Plains. 

She was loved by 4 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, cats and dogs, and her devoted husband, Steve.  Kathy and Steve were a team with a truly admirable relationship.  She will be greatly missed.   

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be kindly made to First United Methodist Church and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.