E. Joan Evans

E. Joan Evans, 83, formerly of South Hazel Street, Manheim, died peacefully at her home in the Brookshire Community, Manheim on Tuesday January 13, 2015. She is now at peace with her Lord. Born in Rapho Township, she was the daughter of the late Frank T. and Edith Zug Earhart. Joan was the loving wife of R. Douglas Evans, having observed their 62nd wedding anniversary in May of last year.

Joan graduated from Manheim High School in 1949. She was foremost a wife, mother and grandmother, also working at Hamilton Watch, as a self-employed seamstress and at the former Rettews Department Store, Manheim. Joan was a follower of Jesus Christ. She was a member of Calvary Church, Lancaster and a former member of Salem United Methodist Church, Manheim. She was a Sunday school teacher in the toddler classes helping young children explore bible stories and begin their journey of faith. She also volunteered at the Nearly Nu Thrift Shop, Manheim, Meals on Wheels and the library at Brookshire Community. Joan enjoyed sewing, flower gardening and was an avid reader. In recent years, she looked forward to her weekly adventures with her sisters.

Joan touched many lives, especially those of her family, with her kindness, positive energy and her ability to see the best in people. And in the past year, she taught us all how to live graciously in the face of adversity.

Surviving in addition to her husband, is a daughter, Leslie C. Evans of Manheim, two sons: Jonathan D. husband of Pamela Evans of Manheim, Curtis D. Evans of Mechanicsburg, four grandchildren: J.C., Jennifer, Aidan, and Griffin, five sisters: Doris Achey of Lebanon, Audrey Ginder of York, Patricia wife of Bruce Lefever of Manheim, Linda wife of Klaus Funke of Trona, CA, and Claudia wife of John Haldeman of Manheim. Preceding her in death were two brothers: Frank Sylvan and Jay Donald Earhart.

The family would like to thank all the staff at Hospice & Community Care for their compassion and loving care they provided for Joan during her illness.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Joan’s funeral service at Calvary Church, 1051 Landis Valley Road, Lancaster, on Friday, January 23, 2015 at 11:00 AM. Friends may visit with the family on Thursday evening from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM at the Buch Funeral Home, 21 Market Square, Manheim and also on Friday morning at Calvary Church from 9:30 AM till 10:30 AM. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family in Manheim Fairview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Joan’s memory to Hospice & Community Care, P.O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125.