Evelyn L. Ames, 89, of Redfield, SD died Monday, October 26, 2009 at Golden Living Center in Redfield. Her funeral will be Friday, October 30, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. at First Congregational United Church of Christ in Redfield. Reverend Tim Fugman will officiate. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday from 1-8:00 p.m. with the family present from 5-7:00 p.m. at Thelen Funeral Home in Redfield. www.thelenfuneralhome.com

Evelyn Lucille Hansen was born October 23, 1920 to George and Agnes (Englet) Hansen in Cranden, SD. She attended rural grade school and Redfield High School. Evelyn married Merwin Clair Ames February 17, 1941. They farmed many years southeast of Redfield, moving to Redfield in 1976. Evelyn worked at Community Memorial Hospital, Olson Jewelry Store and Ben Franklin Store.

Evelyn was a member of First Congregational United Church of Christ since 1950. She enjoyed making afghans for her children and grandchildren.

She was grateful for the sixty-eight years of marriage with Merwin and loved her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Evelyn is survived by her husband Merwin, one son Gary (Lois) Ames of Rapid City, SD and one daughter Linda Eckstrom of Yankton, SD. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Sandy Esslinger and her children: Kayla (and her daughter Tatum) and Caleb; Michael (Jennifer) Ames and their children: Michael, Mikayla and Addy; Robin (Tony) Pigsley and their children: Brittney, Alexandria, Jazmyn and Peyton; Lorri (Jay) Nooney and their daughter Maddy; James Olson, Kerri Olson and her children: Collin, A.J. and Raelynn and Dwan (Travis) Greenwaldt and their children: Brady and Chasidy and her sister-in-law Agnes Ames of Huron and many relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by parents, an infant brother and her brother Raymond, son-in-law Charles Eckstrom, one great grandson Cody, one great granddaughter Kacey, three brothers-in-law: Cecil Stemper, Earl Ames and Manley Ames and three sisters-in-law Marian Hansen, Betty Ames and Marie Ames.