Ertie Evangelista

(From Midland Cremation Society)

Mrs. Ertie Orena (Eib) Evangelista, 80, passed away peacefully on February 15, 2025, in Joplin, Missouri.

Born on September 29, 1944, in New Brunswick, New Jersey, Ertie lived a life marked by kindness and generosity. She was known for her caring and thoughtful nature, always extending a helping hand to those around her. She was trained as a talented seamstress and soon after graduation, she married William on December 23rd, 1962. She embraced motherhood and marriage becoming a homemaker, making dresses for her daughters, favorite dishes for her sons and helping to manage the family farm and businesses.

 

Later in life, she pursued a degree in Hospitality Management. In her free time, she showed her dedication to her community through her volunteer work in 4-H, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and local community healthcare programs where she devoted time and effort to making a difference in the lives of others. She participated in civic activities as a ballot judge assisting in elections.

An avid animal lover, Ertie had a deep compassion for all creatures. Whether caring for her beloved dogs or supporting animal welfare causes, she found great joy in nurturing and protecting animals. As empty-nesters, she and Bill traveled the US in their motorhome until retiring in Lawrence, KS. She relocated to the Neosho and Joplin area to be closer to family.

Ertie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, William Lawrence Evangelista; her parents, Ertie Orena Mance Eib and Maurice Eib; her brothers Walter Eib and Austin Eib; and sister-in-law Nancy Eib.

She is survived by her brother Maurice Eib and his wife Doris; sister-in-law Patricia Eib; her children Phyllis Catherine Jay and husband Brent Jay from Goodman, MO, Annmarie Antoinette Altenhofen and husband Paul Damian Altenhofen from Conroe, TX, William Lawrence Evangelista and wife Jennifer Evangelista from from Little Elm, TX, and Anthony Salvatore Evangelista and wife Sara Evangelista of Kansas City, KS and grandchildren Thomas Jay, Ray Altenhofen, Joseph Jay, John Cabrera, Daniel Jay, Quinlyn Evangelista, Noah Altenhofen, Abigail Cabrera, Freya Evangelista, Isaak Evangelista, Olivia Jay, Lilliana Jay, Abigail Jay.

Ertie’s legacy of kindness and service will be remembered by all who knew her. May her memory bring comfort to those she leaves behind.

Further arrangements to be announced later.