Evelyn Faye Hook

Evelyn Faye Hook, 90 years of age, entered the gates of Heaven in the early hours of January 10, 2025 while surrounded by her family.

Evelyn was born January 13, 1934 in Gem, KS to Lester and Geraldine (McCollum) Rhoades. She was one of three children born to this union. Being the baby of the family, she adopted the nickname “Babe” while growing up.

Evelyn grew up in Culbertson, NE and graduated from Culbertson High School in 1952. Shortly thereafter, she met the love of her life Jacob (Jack) George Hook and they united in marriage on August 3, 1952. The couple resided with Jack’s parents until he was called to serve his country in October of 1952. Once Jack was deployed, Evelyn moved to McCook in a little apartment and worked at Ravenswood Dairy as a soda jerk. She would recall her job with a smile. After being apart from each other for two years, Jack came home and they made their home on a farm south of McCook, where they started their family and raised their five daughters.

Evelyn was a stay-at-home mom while working on the farm alongside her husband. She loved gardening, canning, cooking, baking, and sewing. She was the epitome of a farm wife. The devotion of her being a wife, mother, and grandmother (great, and great-great) was easily noticeable with the support that she gave to all that she loved. Being there for her family was her main priority. Her first love was to rock babies to sleep while singing to them all the way up to the end of her life. She was labeled as a baby whisperer in our family. Evelyn hardly ever missed an event for the grandkids and the kids all appreciated her support, love and presence in the stands. They would often express it with gratitude and hugs. Later in life, if she couldn’t make it to the event, she smiled large while watching a video or looking at pictures. Her pride in her family was one of her greatest qualities.

Friends and neighbors always knew they could count on her being available for whatever they needed. She was involved in the Good Friends Program at the elementary school in Indianola and made each one of her kids that she mentored feel special.

Evelyn also loved to travel. She and Jack made many special trips with family and some of their closest friends that turned into cherished memories for years to come.

Evelyn was a member of the First Congregational Church in McCook, NE for many years.

Last, but not least, Evelyn had a large love for animals. Her dogs were always her pride and joy and anyone who knew her could verify that.

Evelyn is preceded in death by her parents; in-laws (Adam and Sarah); daughter, Linda; brother, Robert Rhoades; sister, Doris Leister; grandson, Nicholas (Nick) O’Dea and son-in-law, John Wagner.

Evelyn is survived by her husband, Jack of 72 years; children: Pam Wagner of McCook, Deanna (Bob) Brown of Indianola, Lori (Andy) O’Dea and Marsha (Kevin) Krotter of McCook and her loyal companion dog, Lucky. She is also survived by her grandchildren; Heather (Larry) Dygert; Lindsey (Eric) Foster; Josh (Jen) Brown; Monica (Shawn) Cole; Tony (Melissa) Wagner; Lance Krotter; Chase Krotter; Andy (Kelli) Wagner; Kelsey (Ethan) Hardin; 22 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren and countless friends and extended family.

Cremation was chosen and services are scheduled for 2:00 PM on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at the First Congregational Church in McCook with Bob Brown officiating. Burial in St. Catherine Cemetery of Indianola will take place at a later date.

Evelyn's family will greet friends at Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM on Tuesday afternoon, January 14, 2025.

Memorials in Evelyn's name are suggested to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or to the First Congregational Church in McCook. Online condolences may be left at herrmannfh.com. Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel of McCook has been entrusted with arrangements.