Mary Ella Evans, born May 26, 1933, in Laverty, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on June 15, 2026, in Tuttle, Oklahoma.

She was the beloved daughter of Cecil and Grace Parish, who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her brothers, Joe Parish and Jim Parish; her brother and sister-in-law, Dan and Tula Parish; her sister and brother-in-law, Janet and J.W. Lundy; her son-in-law, Bill Thorp; and most notably, the love of her life, her husband, Bob Evans.

A proud graduate of Pioneer High School's Class of 1951, Mary Ella was among the first graduating class to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Oklahoma Baptist University in 1956. In 1957, she married Bob Evans, and together they built a life rich in love, faith, family, and creativity.

Mary Ella dedicated her life to caring for others as a compassionate and devoted nurse. She was also a gifted seamstress whose creativity was evident in everything she made and a talented writer who shared her wisdom and imagination through the written word. She approached life with kindness, determination, and a servant's heart, leaving a lasting impression on all who knew her.

She is survived by her children, Mark and Kelly Evans, Peggy and David Mayhugh, and Karen Thorp; her grandchildren, Jarod and Elizabeth Evans, Samantha and Jeffrey Cassady, Christy and Ray Genzler, Josh and Sandy Evans, Kimberlyn and Jacob Parker, and Adam Mayhugh; her cherished great-grandchildren, Mick Jorgensen, Private First Class Ayden Haberman, Robby Genzler, Skyler Mayhugh, Evans Parker, Zoey Genzler, Lucy Evans, Nora Evans, Ollie Parker, Reese Evans, Ellis Evans, Irene Parker, Grayson Cassady, and Uma Parker; her siblings, Alonah and Charles Smith, Ruthan Parish, and Rachel McElroy; her sisters-in-law, Fern Parish and Evelyn Parish; along with many beloved nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Her legacy blooms in every life she touched, like a quilt lovingly stitched together with faith, compassion, creativity, and enduring love.