Mabel C. Evans

Mabel C. Evans, 95, of Versailles passed away Friday, September 4, 2009 at the Manderley Health Care Center in Osgood. She was born at Quercus Grove in Switzerland County on August 10, 1914 the daughter of Albert and Ida Long Keith. She was married to Ralph "Whit" Evans on January 8, 1938 and he preceded her in death on October 19, 1978. Survivors include two sons Pastor Ronald (Norma Jean) Evans of Seymour and James (Arlene) Evans of Versailles; 7 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and 7 great-great grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Wilford, Fenton, Raymond, and Melvin Keith, and her sisters Pearl Robinson, Gertrude Paxton, Hilda Wheeler, Ruth McComb, and Esther Kelly. Mrs. Evans was a 1932 graduate of Patriot High School where she played on the girls basketball team. She worked with her husband at the Evans and Evans filling station and restaurant in Versailles and had also worked as a cook at South Ripley High School. She was a 69 year member of the Versailles Baptist Church where she founded and worked with the children's choir for several years. She also enjoyed gardening, working in her yard, and fishing. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, September 8 at 11am at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Rev. Mark Walker and Rev. Mike Sawalich officiating. Burial will be in St. Peter's Cemetery at Olean. Visitation will be Monday from 5pm to 8pm. Memorials may be given to the Gideons or to the cemetery in care of the funeral home.