Evelyn I. Folts

Evelyn Isabelle Folts, age 98 of York, NE died Saturday, April 5, 2008 at York. She was born June 25, 1909 to Cecil and Luella (Johnson) Kohn at Benedict, Nebraska. Evelyn was baptized and confirmed in the Zion Lutheran Church in Benedict. When she was seven years old, her father died of tuberculosis and with her mother and sister Mercedes moved to Benedict to live with her Grandfather and Grandmother Johnson. Later they moved out on a farm after her mother married Arthur Bittinger. A brother Charles (Bud) and sister (Carol) were born. She attended and graduated from Benedict High School and Kearney State Normal Schools. She taught school for 5 years in rural schools.

She married George Folts on June 5, 1932 and together they farmed in the Benedict and Bradshaw areas. They attended Shiloh, Council, and Harmony Church’s throughout the years. Evelyn served as the pianist at Council Church and then at Harmony Church for 18 years and was a member of the Missionary Group. She also served as a 4-H leader and belonged to the Shiloh Club.

George passed away suddenly in January 1963. She remained on the farm until May when she moved to York. She joined East Avenue Methodist Church, where she was a member of the Hope Circle, held various offices, and sang in the choir. She also belonged to the York Senior Citizen’s organization; was an original member of York County Aging Commission; Shiloh Club and held many offices in these organizations. She had also been a volunteer of the hospital auxiliary, Epworth Village, delivered Meals On Wheels, and drove her friends to church and other activities.

She was a great cook, enjoyed reading, embroidery, quilting, ceramics, gardening, playing cards, traveling, music, and reading bible verses. She also had a bell collection that included well over 200 bells. Evelyn loved chocolate and a candy dish was in her room at the Hearthstone, for when she needed a chocolate boost, the staff, hospice, and family let her choose her favorite. Most of all, Evelyn enjoyed her family and she will be dearly missed by all of them.

She is survived by her children Duane and wife Lucille of Lincoln, NE; Robert and his wife Loa of Waverly, NE; and daughter Twila and husband Lynn Christiansen of Lincoln; seven grandchildren; thirteen great grandchildren; half sister Carol Bittinger of York, sisters-in law: Jo Bittinger of Benedict, Grayce Folts of La Mesa, CA, and Evelyn Folts of York; many nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, step father, husband, sister Mercedes Watson, half brother Charles Bittinger; sisters-in-law Mildred Baker, Grace Dovenbarger, Lucile Walkup, Cleo Barr, and Bernice Rutledge; and brothers-in –law David Watson, Virgil Folts, William Baker, Willard Dovenbarger, Claude Walkup, Kenneth Barr, Fred Rutledge, Marshall Folts, Arlo Folts, and Melvin Folts.

Funeral services were Wednesday, April 9, 2008 at the First United Methodist Church in York with the Reverends Bill Armold and Jeff Wulf officiating. Burial followed in York’s Greenwood Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Epworth Village, Tabitha Hospice, York County Aging Commission, or the York Senior Center.