Hazel Ann Evans
July 23, 1953 – February 15, 2025
Hazel was born and raised in Ulysses, Kansas. She was the daughter of Homer and Bertha (Bohling) Evans, who preceded her in death. Hazel is survived by her two sisters, Ethel Evans of Ulysses, KS and Tanja Harrison (Kelly Harrison) of Lawrence, KS, three nieces: Ashlee M. Harrison of Lawrence, KS, Erin Bender (Devin Bender) of Ely, IA, and Kelsey Weron (Sean Weron) of Richardson, TX, great-nephews and great-niece, Brooks and Cameron Weron, Aiden Evans and Mason Bender.
She earned her RN degree from Wesley School of Nursing (1976) in Wichita, KS, and a Bachelor of Nursing (1989) from Wichita State University. Hazel moved from her nursing career to pharmaceutical research, where she worked as a ghostwriter and presenter for Merck, Sharp & Dohme and Novartis, contributing to the development and approval of new medications that would benefit many.
Hazel was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the American Legion Auxiliary, the First United Methodist Church of Ulysses, Kansas, First United Methodist Church of Wichita, Kansas, and Girls Night Out.
Hazel was a 24/7 medical encyclopedia for all those in need of an interpreter for all that medical stuff. Being Hazel’s sister was a challenge. Just one of many things, Hazel Ann was such a fashion critic. To paraphrase a quote from one of Hazel’s nursing colleagues; “for those of us who were fortunate enough to meet Hazel, we understood Hazel to be a force of nature wrapped in an incredible body, great hair and with eyes that turned heads.” In her day, you would never bet against Hazel, because with her intensity and quick wit, you did not have a chance. Hazel’s taxi and shuttle service provided many a helping hand to run an errand, travel to an appointment, make deliveries and even an occasional drag on Main Street. The family was so very proud of Hazel being a nurse. We would even brag “My daughter/sister is an OR/ICU nurse.”
A Celebration luncheon for family and friends to celebrate Hazel’s life will be scheduled on a later date. There will be a private family grave site service.
Ulysses Hospital Auxiliary awarded Hazel with a scholarship to begin her nursing education, so the family has chosen the memorial to be Bob Wilson Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. Donations should be mailed to Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1260, Lawrence, KS 66044
Tanja,
I am sorry to hear about your sister passing away. My thoughts and prayers are with you and all your family. Hazel was a remarkable woman and accomplished many great things.
Ethel and Tanja,
I’m so sorry to hear about Hazel’s passing and I’ll be praying for you peace in grieving. The best summer of my life growing up was when I was with you guys in Ulysses. She came through for a weekend that summer and to be there with all 5 of you has stayed with me throughout the years! Hazel’s laugh and smile were infectious and sincere. I will miss her…and I have always missed you guys! You’ll always have my love. Tony
So sorry to hear of the lose of Hazel. She was a wonderful person. She and I drove together when going to school at Garden. Then later she shared her apartment in Wichita with me when I was travel nursing. Best of all I actually got to work side by side with her at Dr. Byers clinic. I admired her greatly and was a great friend. My prayers are with you all.
Dear Tanja, I am so sorry you lost your sister. Sisters are such specia people
Tanja, I sent a card and message to all of you at Ethel’s address. My thoughts and prayers and fond memories are with you all. I remember you best from the class you were in in 4-H! God bless you.
Dear Tanja, Len and I send our condolences. We are sorry for your loss. We look forward to spending time with you next summer.
Ethel and Tanja, I am so sorry to hear this news. Hazel was indeed a force of nature! In high school, she was the upper classman whom I admired the most, with her strong fashion sense, sharp wit and quick laugh. It was no surprise that she accomplished so much in her lifetime. May both of you be surrounded with warm and comforting memories as you celebrate her life.
I’m so sorry to hear about Hazel. Your family is in my prayers.
Tanja
My condolences to you & your family on the loss of your sister.
Tanja, I am so sorry for the loss of your sister. Warm thoughts to you and your family.
Will always remember going to Alex and Hazel’s house to hang out on a Saturday and do laundry when we lived at WSU Fairmount Towers. She was such a vibrant, intelligent and whitty woman that I have the fondest memories of her. My sincerest sympathies Tanja. God bless.
Tanja, sending you and your family best wishes and warm thoughts…
Tanja, Sorry to hear of your sister’s passing. Dwell on the wonderful memories of her.
Ethel and Tanja
I’m so sorry to learn about Hazel’s passing. She was a vibrant, caring and giving person.
After her Uncle Walter had bypass surgery down in the Texas valley, I drove them home to the DFW area. Hazel flew to Dallas to drive her Uncle Walter and Aunt Lucille back to Kansas. That’s one of my fondest memories of Hazel, may she rest in peace.
Hazel was such a sweet lady, I was honored to call her my friend. Ethel, Tanja and family, My sincere condolences to you all.
Cherish your memories of Hazel.
Love, Tonya
Tanja, Ethel, & family
We’re so very sorry to hear of Hazel Ann’s passing. I barely knew her as an adult, but knew her well when our families were good friends & got together for card games many years ago (when we were children). She’ll be greatly missed. Please accept our condolences, love, & hugs!
Stanley & Janice (Siebert) Koehn & family
So sorry to learn of your sister’s passing, Tanja. Thoughts and prayers are with you.