Evelyn Altmiller, our precious Mother and Mamaw, died on Saturday, September 14, 2024, in Wichita Falls, Texas, at the age of 88.  A private, family burial will be held at Restland Cemetery on Saturday, September 21.  A memorial celebration will follow at 2:00 p.m., First United Methodist Church in Olney, Texas, with Pastor Harrell Braddock officiating.  Arrangements are under the direction of Lunn Funeral Home of Olney.

Evelyn Jane (Miller) Altmiller was born January 4, 1936, in Higgins, Texas.  Out of eight children, she was the third child born to William J. and Regina (Meller) Miller.  Growing up on a farm with four wonderful sisters and three mischievous brothers certainly created many heartwarming and hilarious stories for family members to cherish.  When all the siblings got together, laughter abounded.

Evelyn didn't know it at the time, but she met the love of her life and future husband when she was in second grade and he pushed her off the playground swing.  She evidently forgave this "bad" boy, Russell Altmiller, because by the time high school rolled around many love notes were exchanged.  In fact, she kept each one that he ever penned.

Evelyn and Russell enjoyed over 66 years of marriage until his death in 2020.  To their union was born three children:  Desley Warren, Jeana Rae, and William Charles "Chuck" Altmiller.  Evelyn postponed furthering her education to raise her family and she was always a very loving, encouraging, and supportive mother.  When the time was right for her, she enrolled at Midwestern State University, eventually earning a Bachelor of Arts degree.

Evelyn loved her Lord and Savior and family more than anything.  She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Olney and served in various capacities, including  Sunday school teacher, member of the Alpha Night Circle, the Care and Compassion team, and willingly in any role there was a need.  She also served her community as a member of the school board, Amity Club, Ladies' Golf Auxiliary, Olney Community Library Board, and as a hospice volunteer for many years.  Evelyn loved to paint, sew, golf, play bridge, fish, read, travel, and walk the land on the Altmiller farm.  Family and many people in the community can attest to her excellent cooking skills, but what she enjoyed most was playing with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  They always had her undivided attention.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her husband; daughter and son-in-law, Jeana and Greg Nix; sister, Lorene Cramer; brother, Sonny Miller; her parents; and two brothers-in-law, Ed Schilling and Bill Bradford.

Evelyn is survived by her two sons, Desley and Chuck Altmiller; her "just like" a daughter and son, Sherry Altmiller and Scott McAninch; four grandchildren, Josh (Allison) Nix; Dustin (Rebecca) Altmiller; Bryce Nix; and Rachel (Michael) Escalona; six great- grandchildren, Paris Nix, Keller Gilbert, Hayden and Kailyn Altmiller, and Barrett and Miles Escalona; sisters, Leona Schilling, Betty (Sam) Wilbanks, and Vera Bradford; brothers, Larry (LaReece) Miller and Raymond (Peggy) Miller; brother-in-law, Henry Altmiller and sisters-in-law, Carolyn and Bobby Altmiller; as well as numerous cousins, beloved nieces and nephews, and a host of dear friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 305, Olney, TX  76374; the Olney Education Foundation, P.O. Box 68, Olney, TX  76374; Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Texas, 10843 Gulfdale St., San Antonio, TX  78216; Beyond Faith Hospice, 1702 Kell W. Blvd., Wichita Falls, TX  76301; or any charity of your choice.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at The Gables of Rolling Meadows and to Beyond Faith Hospice of Wichita Falls.  Their compassion and excellent care of our sweet mom went above and beyond.