Evelyn Liggett

(From Parker Mortuary)

Evelyn Marie Liggett, 86, passed away July 3, 2020 at Spring River Christian Village in Joplin, Missouri. She was a lifelong resident of Joplin.

Evelyn was born March 11, 1934 in Joplin to Evelyn M. (Clayton) Rodarme and Harold E. Rodarme. She graduated from Joplin High School and attended Pittsburg State University for two years.

She married Charles R. Lea in 1954 and they later divorced. In 1981 she married Robert L. Liggett. 

Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents, and siblings Gordon, Julie and Jon Rodarme. She is survived by her husband of 38 years, Robert Liggett, also of Spring River Christian Village; her children Julie Lea (Chris Parsons), Manhattan, KS; Lilly Lea, Las Vegas, NV; Betsy Bond, Webb City, MO; Hank Lea, Vancouver, WA; Jennifer Yoneoka, Thibodaux, LA; Sally Mattchen (Mike), Springfield, MO; and stepdaughters Elizabeth Belt (Bryan), Springfield, MO and Patti Hendrix (Jeff), Nevada, MO. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren and several great grandchildren.

Evelyn worked for Commercial Credit Corporation for several years and was a bookkeeper at Baird, Kurtz and Dobson Accounting for 12 years, retiring in 1996. In retirement she went back to school and earned an associate degree from Missouri Southern State College.

Evelyn had many talents and interests. She sewed most of her children’s clothes when they were in school and was a constant presence and cheerleader at sporting events, plays and choir concerts. Her cooking was legendary and she and Bob hosted many holidays and celebrations at their home in the woods in rural Joplin. She designed and sewed quilts too numerous to count, hooked rugs and designed needlepoint. Many of her creations beautified the homes of her children and grandchildren. The only time her hands were not busy they were holding a book. She was a voracious reader and loved Sudoku puzzles. She loved the outdoors, gardening, birdwatching and storms. Her smile and laugh were merry and infectious. Even in her last weeks, she laughed often. Evelyn loved music and had a beautiful singing voice. There was always music playing when she was around, and it ran the gamut from classic rock to Schubert. From her granddaughter Sophie Yoneoka’s tribute, “You were delicate yet strong. Demure yet rockstar. Ethereal like the perfume and sweet nectar the hummingbirds came for. You were a true woman who inspired many.”

At Evelyn’s request, services will not be scheduled. For those who wish to remember her with a contribution, a fund has been established in her name at the Joplin Public Library.