Laura Ann Evans

Laura Ann (Overman) Evans passed away peacefully at the age of ninety-six (96), on January 2, 2024, in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas. Laura was born on April 12, 1927, in Green River, Wyoming. Laura was the first-born child to John Leonard Overman and Gwendolyn Richards Overman followed by her sister Jane and brother Tom. Laura had an adventurous upbringing, as the family followed her father’s career with the Union Pacific Railroad that took them to numerous states before finally settling in Kansas City, MO. Laura graduated from Paseo High School in 1945. After graduation Laura met the love of her life, Harvey Goulden Evans, and they were married on April 1, 1949. Laura and Harvey also lived an adventurous life, from the infamous “tar paper shack” to South Africa. Laura and Harvey did settle down to raise their five (5) children in Liberty, Missouri.

In Liberty, Laura found her home, where she and Harvey were among the original members and builders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS), Liberty Ward. Over the years, Laura served in multiple church positions from, Young Woman’s to Relief Society President. In these roles she touched the hearts and souls of so many. Laura was also known for being an avid sports fan, especially baseball and football. Laura was very committed to her dearly loved Kansas City teams but, fun fact – in the 1970’s she became a Houston Oiler fan and authored a poem for Bum Phillips!

In retirement, Laura continued her love of service for others and served multiple LDS missions with her husband Harvey, Bishop’s Storehouse, reservations in Nevada, and the Chicago LDS temple as well as various other church service and leadership assignments. Laura was a familiar smiling face at the front desk of Liberty Hospital where she volunteered with her best friend Bonnie for numerous years. Laura was a devoted mother and grandmother, who enjoyed Card Games (Uno and Slap Jack), travel, reading, crochet, and baking. Laura was a one of kind character who could be slightly mischievous and always make you smile!

Laura is preceded in death by her husband Harvey of 60 years, parents John and Gwen Overman, siblings Tom Overman, and Jane Hammond, and grandson Michael James Evans.

Laura leaves behind an amazing family. She is survived by her children Joe Evans (Judy), Tom Evans (Robin), David Evans, Patti Pottorf (Tom), and Mary Beth Evans (Melanie Baker), sixteen (16) grandchildren, and twenty-seven (27) great-grandchildren.

Laura will be dearly missed, but we take comfort in knowing that she has been reunited with her love Harvey, family, and friends. We are sure that she is happy to be pain free running around telling stories and enjoying herself! Till we meet Again….

Funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 AM on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 1130 N. Clayview Dr., Liberty, MO 64068. A visitation will be from 9:00 - 10:00 AM prior to the service at the church. Burial will follow in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Kansas City, Kansas.