Evelyn Mathews

Evelyn Marie Mathews, age 89, passed away on February 7, 2026, at her home in Newton, Kansas.

Evelyn was the second child of nine children born to Abby Gilroy Seyler and Samuel Arthur Seyler, in an old farmhouse in Le Loup, Kansas on December 17, 1936. At 11 years old, Evelyn went to live with the local doctor, Dr. Naylor, and his wife and children, to help care for his children and ill wife. This lasted several years. This is where the "nursing bug" bit.

At 14, she moved into Ottawa, Kansas with her sister, Joan, to work at a local diner. A patron of the diner, a doctor, overheard her dream of being a nurse. The patron/doctor helped her to obtain scholarships and funding to attend Halstead Hospital nursing program, run by the Sisters of Saint Joseph. A 55 year nursing career was launched!

Then, while in nursing school in Halstead, she met Larry Mathews. They were married (secretly) on December 24, 1956. The secrecy was due to the strict rules of the Sisters of St. Joseph; married women were not allowed to continue training.

Evelyn is survived by her four children, Maureen R. Poull, Deena L. Sawyer, Kelly R. Mathews, and Ian "Scott" D. Mathews. She is also survived by six grandchildren, Coreen N Poull, Serenity R. Poull, Conor P. Swan, Kelli S. Nystrom, Andrew Libera, and Sarah L. Roberson; three great-grandchildren; three of eight siblings, Dale L. Seyler, Rita M. Everson, Deb A. Schukow; as well as too many nieces/nephews and great nieces/ nephews to count.

Evelyn was an avid reader, traveler, political activist, builder, designer, talented craftsperson, church member, community activist and servant, and dancer.

Her nursing career included 30 years at Bethel Deaconess Hospital, where her many rolls involved House Supervisor, Assistant Director of Nursing, Staff Scheduler, E.R. nurse, ICU, OB, and more. Evelyn worked as a Certified Addictions Nurse at Mirror Inc, Case manager for Workmen's Comp, Director of Nursing at Kansas Christian Home, was an expert witness for several malpractice lawyers, Parish Nurse, and CNA instructor at Hutchinson Community College.

Evelyn loved to read and learn throughout her life. Her interests included health, women's rights, nursing science, politics, construction, travel, design, crafts, and dance, among others.

Her community service included being a founding board member of Harvey County Habitat for Humanity and being a construction coordinator for three Habitat houses. She was an active member of the Kansas State Nurses Association, Kansas Democratic Party, and was a Hospice volunteer. Additionally, she was a very active member of First United Methodist Church of Newton, Kansas for over 60 years.

Evelyn loved to dance: square dance, swing dance, and the jitterbug. Her feet were always tapping. We are sure she is in heaven dancing the jitterbug now.

89 yrs of sewing together a colorful quilt with the pieces of life: The stitches were meticulous, the colors rich, the fabric was quality, preferably thrift. Minor flaws here and there, but easily overlooked when the quilt was seen as a whole.

Evelyn leaves behind a community of family and friends who loved her and will miss her dearly.

A Celebration of Life service will be held for Evelyn on February 20, 2026, at 2:00 PM at the First United Methodist Church in Newton, Kansas. Memorials may be made out to the First United Methodist Church or Caring Hands Humane Society, and left in the care of Petersen Funeral Home. The family requests that rather than cut flowers, green plants be sent, instead. Evelyn preferred plants that could be kept in a pot or grown outside, which was perfectly in line with her nurturing spirit.