Evelyn Ruth Rowlett

Evelyn Ruth Rowlett went to be with the Lord on Thursday, April 3rd, 2025, in Nacogdoches, Texas, where she was currently residing at The Arbor. She was born on November 27, 1926, in Waco, Texas, to George Walter Wooldridge and Maurine (Hall) Wooldridge. She was 98 years young!

Both Douglas Madison Rowlett and Evelyn Ruth Wooldridge attended Waco High School and were high school sweethearts. They were united in marriage on February 22, 1946. After he graduated from the University of Texas, they began the family business, Cherokee Hatchery Company, Inc. in Owentown, Texas. Although Ms. Evelyn was a full-time homemaker, she also filled the roll of “secretary” and helped to manage the business.

In her free time, she enjoyed traveling—together they traveled the world, she was an avid reader, an excellent seamstress, enjoyed working with puzzles, but most of all she enjoyed the great-grandchildren. She was an active member of Green Acres Baptist Church in Tyler for many years and contributed a multitude of hours as a librarian. Her church was very important to her.

Evelyn is survived by her daughter, Carol Selman and husband, Bruce of Nacogdoches; son, Chris N. Rowlett and wife, Gala of Dallas; grandchildren, Stephen Selman and wife, Mindi, Adam Selman and wife Courtney; great-grandchildren, Landon Richeson and wife Shelby, Reagan, Hudson, Piper, Audrey, Jace and Jailynn Selman; great-great grandchildren, Aubrey and Avery Richeson. She is also survived by one sister, Mary O’Neal and one brother, George Harold Wooldridge.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Douglas M. Rowlett, her parents, George and Maurine Wooldridge, and one sister, Margaret Smithey.

Private family graveside services will be held on Saturday, April 12th in Rose Hill Cemetery, Tyler, Texas.

In lieu of flowers please send your memorial to Green Acres Baptist Church for benefit of the library, or to your local food bank for the poor.

Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.