Betty Lou Evans

Betty Lou Evans of Denver, Colorado died on June 15, 2024 at the age of 92 after an illness exceeding 12-months which left her in a continually weakened state; and her years of living with arthritis, during which time her suffering was constant, aggravated her situation. She bravely fought her maladies, wishing never to be a burden to those around her. Although weak in her last months, Betty Lou’s indomitable spirit refused to allow her physical condition to interfere with her mental capacity to participate in conversation, engaging with family & friends. It caused great angst for her family as they saw how it drained her so. Betty recognized that she needed additional care as each week and month passed but she didn’t let that discourage her, never raising the white flag of surrender.

Raised in the Catholic Church, she was Baptized on August 13, 1931 in St. Mary’s Church, Marienthal, KS and later received the Sacrament of Confirmation on September 23, 1945 in St. Francis Xavier Church, Junction City, KS. Her sponsor was her dear older sister Ruby Pantel Thomas. Betty Lou professed faith in her Lord & Savior Jesus Christ at the age of 19 years and was perfectly resigned to God’s will throughout her life and this was never more on display than through to the end of her journey here on earth. She was faithful in all her official and personal relations, a trusted daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend.

Born Elizabeth Louisa Pantel on Aug 8, 1931 in Marienthal, KS, she was eight of nine children born to Joseph George Pantel and Stella Violet Lease (Ertz/Bower) Pantel, and was their last surviving child. Over the course of a number of years, Betty and a few of her cousins worked tirelessly to discover and accurately document – and publish – the Pantel family genealogy, originating back as far as 1750 to Johann Czinczoll of Czechoslovakia. She freely and generously shared her work with her siblings, her children, & extended family. Betty married Billy Dean Evans on March 23, 1951 in Englewood, CO. They had four children: Brad D., Becky L., Bunny L., and Brian D. She is survived by Becky & Joseph Hughes, Bunny & Frenchie Fransua, Brian & Kathy Evans, eight grandchildren: David and wife Marisela Hughes, Victoria Hughes Hecker & husband Ben, Jonathan and wife Christine Hughes, Penelope Hughes Cook, Lisa & Luke Dellinger, and Jacob & Samuel Evans. She adored her children, grandchildren & seven great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins in AR, CO, GA, IL, KS, MO, TX, & WY and was loved by all. Always thinking of others, she gave of herself to benefit them, often at the expense of her own needs. The writer knew her for 61 years and has found no one with a more selfless soul on this earth. It was her fortune to share the perfect love of Christ with those who would listen, and even with those who wouldn’t. We were all incredibly blessed to have her in our lives. Her earthly vessel will be laid to rest next to husband Billy and son Brad in the Olinger Chapel Hill cemetery, Littleton, CO; but her lovely soul of a servant is already in heaven, having been greeted and healed by her Master undoubtedly with: “Well done, good and faithful servant…”. Betty Lou faced death in this world with beauty and grace. She leaves a host of relatives & friends to mourn her loss but we mourn not as those who have no hope.

A celebration of life for Betty will be held Wednesday, June 26, 2024 at 11:00 AM with a burial to follow at Olinger Chapel Hill, 6601 S Colorado Blvd, Centennial, CO 80121.