Evelyn Farley, 85, of O'Kreek, SD passed away on Monday, December 11th, 2023 at the Winner Regional Long Term Care Center in Winner, SD. Memorial services will be held on Monday, December 18th, 2023 at 10:30AM at the Winner Methodist Church in Winner, SD. Burial will follow in the Winner City Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 17th, 2023 from 6-7PM with a 7PM prayer service at the Winner Methodist Church in Winner, SD. Monday's memorial services will be live streamed through The Winner Methodist Church's Youtube Channel for those individuals unable to attend. Please click on the link to watch the funeral service live. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEMPfeVLjGTGiZ4eLk35n_A

Evelyn Gertrude was born on December 12, 1937 to Herman and Zella (Bartlett) Larsen in the old Winner Hospital that was located on Polk Street. She was named after her Aunt Evelyn and Aunt Gertrude. At her birth, she joined sisters Beverly and Phyllis. Later three more sisters were born, Patricia, Sena, and Mary. Her parents dearly loved their six daughters.

Evelyn grew up on farms south of Colome on the banks of the Keya Paha River, north of Hamill, and southwest of Carter, SD. As a young girl growing up, she always did her share of the farm chores, gardening, or anything her parents needed. She was always a hard worker and gave a hundred percent.

When Evelyn was only five years old, she started school across the river in Nebraska, then went to a grade school near Hamill, SD. She finished her grade school years at the Nelson School in Todd County. She attended Todd County High School and graduated in 1955. That summer she attended Black Hills Teacher's College. She obtained a certificate to teach school. She taught school for one year in the Prosperity Country School northeast of White River, SD.

She dated then married Guy Floyd Farley, the love of her life, on June 20, 1956. They were blessed with four children: Jane Elaine, Neal Duane, David Guy, and Donnie Ray. Guy and Evelyn were employed and did ranch work for Elmer and Mary Chauncey for many years and came to know them as family. The couple enjoyed several grandchildren and then great grandchildren.

Along with being wife and mother, Evelyn helped with farming and ranching. Evelyn worked for the Todd County School System for thirty years in O'Kreek and Mission. She served as chairman to the Parent Advisory Committee for several years. She was devoted to the students and enjoyed helping them develop their skills.

Evelyn was a Master Gardner. She loved gardening and preserving her bountiful produce. But even more, she loved sharing that bounty with family, friends, and neighbors. Many people were blessed and enjoyed her generosity and the wonderful fresh vegetables. Her door was always open and her coffee pot always on, welcoming any and all who loved to visit. She hosted many family dinners.

On November 30, 1988, Evelyn was baptized and joined the Methodist Church. She also enjoyed her Church Circle activities and helped with serving for funeral dinners. She had a deep faith that helped her get through a multitude of life struggles, especially the loss of her husband Guy, her beautiful daughter Jane, and her son Neal. Her attitude carried her through so much in life, when she was first diagnosed with cancer and the doctor told her, she sat very stoic and when he asked her, "Are you okay?" She said, "No, but I am going to be." This was Evelyn.

While she was living with cancer, she loved the quote: "I will not fear death, as it is not the end, but rather a new beginning. God said it and I believe it." She also loved Psalm 23:4 "Yeah, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil." Revelations 21:3-5

"Now the dwelling of God is with man...God will wipe away all tears, pain, and suffering, God is making everything new!" She also found comfort in the quote, "Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard but always near, still loved, still missed and very dear."

Preceding her in death were her husband Guy, her daughter Jane Nahnsen, her son Neal Farley, her parents Herman and Zella Larsen, her sisters Beverly Larsen, Phyllis Paulson, and Patricia Clausen, her in-laws George and Velma Farley, sisters-in-law Betty Toman, Rita Dillon, and Della Farley, brothers-in-law Delbert Paulson, Glen Clausen, Dennis Lauritsen, Frank Toman, Rich, Ralph, and Merle Farley.

She is survived by son-in-law Mike Nahnsen, Grandson Scott Nahnsen and his son Jace. Granddaughter Tawnya (Paul) Rukat and their children Madison, Ryan, Makayla and Remington. Daughter-in-law Julieann Farley. Sons David (Wilma) Farley, their daughter Leola (Cliff) Valburg and children Xander, CJ, Kaileb, and Maura. Donnie (Denise) Farley, and their children Chad, Chris, Isaiah, Anna, Corey (Brandy) Farley children Akane, lan, Ethan, Aden, and Orion. Crystal (Dave) Kahler and their children Nicole, Victoria, Mikayla, and Christopher. Sisters Sena Lauritsen and Mary (Jerry) Fisher. Sisters-in-law Liz Farley, Jeanean Jares, Joan Manker and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.