Dottie Evans

Dorothy Lucille Evans (née Smith) passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and the best peony bushes in McCook. Born on December 20, 1941, in Lebanon, Nebraska, to Milo George Smith and Lucille Verle Morris, Dottie grew up with a strong sense of family and adventure. She graduated from McCook Senior High in 1960 and soon after married the love of her life, David John Evans, on February 20, 1961, in Pierre, South Dakota. Together, they built a home in McCook, where she lived the rest of her life, filling it with warmth, wisdom, and an ever-growing collection of refrigerator magnets from every state.

A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Dottie’s greatest joy was her family. She was a homemaker in the truest sense—her home wasn’t just a house, but a haven of love, laughter, and the occasional glass of wine. She had a passion for reading, gardening, puzzles, and latch hook, and she was always up for a trip —especially if it meant spending time with loved ones. She also had a well-earned reputation for enjoying a good toddy at the Eagles Club with Dave, where she shared stories and smiles with friends.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Dave; her brothers, Ron Smith (and wife Iris), Reece Smith, and Marvin Smith (and wife Grace); sister-in-law, Carol Smith; as well as her stepson, James John Evans and granddaughter, Hali Maslyn.

She is survived by her daughter, Shannon and husband, Randy Woitaszewski; stepdaughter, Penny Staley; grandchildren Shelby (Justin) Randolph and Kelsey (John) Geary; Becky Walsh and family, John (Jayleen) Evans and family, Christian (Ashly) Evans and family, and her treasured great-grandchildren, Greyson and Brooklyn Randolph and Calum and Lane Geary. She also leaves behind her brother, Gene Smith, currently living in Arvada, Colorado.

Dorothy’s spirit will live on in the blooms of her peonies, in the well-worn pages of a good book, and in every puzzle completed with a cup of tea (or something a little stronger). Her family finds comfort in knowing that she is now reunited with her loved ones, likely enjoying a glass of wine and a good laugh.

A celebration of Dottie’s life is scheduled for 11:00 AM on Saturday morning, April 19, 2025 at Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook. Inurnment in the Memorial Park Cemetery Columbarium will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you plant something beautiful in her memory—preferably a peony.

Online condolences may be left at herrmannfh.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel of McCook.