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
