Evalyn Velder, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, passed away on December 13, 2024, at 92 years old after a brief illness.

Evalyn was born on the family farm in Loup City, the “Polish capital of Nebraska” and grew up surrounded by a large extended family. Following her marriage to John Velder, she made her home in Liberty, Missouri. She was an excellent household manager who raised four children, kept a tidy house, planted massive flower and vegetable gardens, put up a cellar full of preserves, sewed clothing for the family, and still managed to find time to read stacks and stacks of books. Evalyn loved to read and worked to instill a passion for literacy in her children.  Later, she worked at the Jones Store where she made many lasting friendships and left a positive impact on those around her. After 30 years on the job, Evalyn finally put her feet up and retired.

In her free time, Evalyn enjoyed reading books, especially histories and mysteries, tending to her garden and taking group fitness classes at the local community center. Her favorite class was water aerobics and she was something of a teacher's pet as the class was taught by daughter, Lily. She liked to travel and went on a grand tour of Europe with her daughter Janie and some friends when she was in her 70s.   Most of all,
Evalyn cherished nothing more than spending time with her family. She delighted in her grandchildren and they all adored her. Nanny Ev had a gift for making anyone who visited feel like the most special person in the world. She kept the fridge stocked with Dr. Pepper and jars of cookies and snacks on the counter. She never missed a birthday. Home was her favorite place in the world and she embraced being a homebody. However, she never turned down a chance to socialize or play cards with her fellow golden girls.

Evalyn is survived by her four children: Jane Johnson; Michael Velder; Jim (Marion) Velder; Lily (Paul) Pilsl l;  10 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, Barbara (Grabowski) and Alvin Kaminski; three brothers, Elmer, Harry, and Robert Kaminski; former husband John Velder; son-in-law, Virgil Johnson; and grandson, Lance King. Evalyn was a remarkable woman known for her wit, kindness, and fierce sense of independence.  Her generous spirit and genuine warmth touched the lives of many, leaving behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.  Service arrangements will be announced at a later date.