Evelyn Hope Williams Yardley, 88, of Desdemona, went home to her Lord and Savior Sunday, December 17, 2017. She was born May 14, 1929, in Desdemona, to Clayton Hope Williams and Beulah Lee Kay Williams.

Evelyn grew up in Desdemona and graduated high school there. She married William Thomas (W.T.) Yardley, also born and raised near Desdemona, on March 20, 1946, when she was 17, a life-long marriage of seventy-one years. After some years of exploration in various locations, they settled in Odessa, Texas, raised their family, moving back to the Desdemona area onto her family's old homestead where they lived for many years. Later moving to Stephenville for a while, and finally in these last few years, to the Ranger, Texas area.

Evelyn was a long time member of First Baptist Church of Desdemona. She retired from the medical field after serving as a Healthcare Administrator for many decades. In 1988, she received the award for Outstanding Administrator of Region I while working for Canterbury Villa in De Leon. She was a loving and devoted homemaker for her family. Evelyn was a talented seamstress and made countless beautiful quilts for her family and friends over the years. She was also a wonderful cook. Evelyn was active in various community organizations including the sewing club and enjoyed playing 42. The Desdemona Activity Center was dear to Evelyn's heart and she was always happy to serve and volunteer there when she was able. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Evelyn is survived by her two sons, Darrell G. Yardley and wife, Patricia, and Stephen L. Yardley; adult grandchildren, Stella Elian Yardley, Christopher T. Yardley, and Amy K. Yardley; great-grandchildren, Noelle Yardley, Brandon Evans, Rowan Evans, and Arianna Griffis; and other extended family. She was preceded in death by her husband, W.T. Yardley (2016); parents, C.H. and Beulah Lee Williams; brothers, Charles Williams and Leo Williams; and sister, Ruth Koonce Daffron.

A celebration of Evelyn's life was held Wednesday, December 20, 2017, at 2:00 p.m. at Nowlin Anders Funeral Home with Brother Robert Cummings officiating. Evelyn was laid to rest beside her husband, W.T., in Desdemona Cemetery.

If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the Desdemona Activity Center, in memory of Evelyn.