Evelyn May Proffitt, 79, passed away February 6, 2026 at Clara Barton Hospital in Hoisington, Kansas.

Evelyn was born on January 27, 1947, in Furnas County, Nebraska to Charles and Maude (Garner) Etherton. As a child, the family moved to Bird City, Kan., where Evelyn went to school and graduated high school. After high school, Evelyn was married to Harold McGuire until 1975. On November 19, 1977, she was united in marriage to William D. (Bill) Proffitt until his death in 2001. Evelyn and Bill made their home in the Kelso, Washington area until he retired in 1992, when they moved to Rexford, Kansas. While they lived in Washington, Evelyn was a homemaker who enjoyed tending to her garden and picking berries in their yard. Much of her garden harvest was canned along with jelly she made from the fruit. Evelyn enjoyed the time she spent with Bill in the outdoors camping and fishing. In addition to canning her garden harvest, she enjoyed canning, freezing and smoking some of the fish they caught.

Evelyn was deeply religious, and enjoyed her time in fellowship with her church community. She was always available to help anyone she could if she had the means.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents Charles and Maude; her loving husband Bill; stepson, Sam Proffitt; and sister, Edith. She is survived by nephews, Charles Acker and wife Angela of Strasburg, Colo.; Leroy Acker and wife Jennifer of Ellsworth, Kan.; and many friends and family who will miss her.

Following Evelyn's wishes, she has been cremated and a memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, May 2, 2026, at the Rexford Community Church in Rexford, Kansas with Pastor Lane Purcell presiding. Inurnment will follow at Rexford Cemetery.