Genevieve E. Evans

Genevieve Evelyn Evans, 92, of Bucyrus, went to be with the Lord at her home on January 27, 2024 surrounded by her family.

She was born July 25, 1931 in Pennsylvania to the late George T. and Verna K. (Trefsger) Sampsell. As a young teenager, her mother became sick with tuberculosis, leaving her mother hospitalized for a couple of years. With her father working to support the family, Genevieve assumed the role of providing meals and keeping up around the home for her brother and father as well as attending school. She went on to graduate from Watsontown High School in 1949 and those lessons learned at her young age provided a strong foundation for how she lived the rest of her life. 

In her adult life, she lived in Texas, Pennsylvania, and Ohio.  She enjoyed working at the Grit Publishing Company as a writer, at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio as a member of the clerical staff, was the office manager at Evans Cable Vision in Mt. Gilead before starting with Mt. Gilead Schools where she was the secretary at the High School and went on to retire as secretary to the Superintendent.  In 2002 she moved to Bucyrus to be closer to family.

Genevieve had a strong love for the Lord and enjoyed studying the Bible and memorizing passages. She was very active at Mt. Gilead’s Trinity United Methodist Church, serving as Sunday School Supt., helped to prepare many church meals, and assisted wherever else needed. She was also proud of her involvement in her discipleship group, which led to many friendships that remained strong.  Since living in Bucyrus, she enjoyed worshipping at Good Hope Lutheran Church and, even as her health made it challenging for her to attend in person, she loyally listened to services on the radio and supported her church.  

Genevieve cherished time spent with all of her family and the more time she had with them, the better.  She lived a simple life and was extremely grateful to God for her little house and all her blessings.  She was a woman of principal and morals.  She was kind, compassionate, generous, and set many great examples. 

Genevieve enjoyed collecting antiques and refinishing furniture. She liked watching Bob Ross paint and did her best to replicate those “happy little trees” in her own paintings.  She enjoyed rooting for the Buckeyes when they took to the field and enjoyed many Church and comedy programs on tv.  

She was very grateful to Doctors Mike and Chris Johnson and the staff for their expert care, kindness, and friendship.   And to Pastor Tanyce Addison and the Stephen Ministry of Good Hope Church for their kindness, visits, and communion. 

Genevieve is survived by three daughters, Valorie Ebersole of Orlando, FL, Faith (Robert) Achtermann of Bucyrus, and Sandra (Patrick) Porter of Olathe, KS; six grandchildren, Marie (Joshua) Shoemaker, Elainna Ebersole, Erica Ebersole, Joseph (Erin) Achtermann, Jordan (Khrista) Achtermann, and Nicole (Steve) Mulder; thirteen great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren and a sister-in-law, Ruth Ann Sampsell.

In addition to her parents, she was greeted in Heaven by her son, James A. Evans; great grandson, Terry Ebersole and two brothers, James Sampsell, who died during infancy and Allen Sampsell.

The family would like to express sincere thanks to the staff of both Center Well Home Health Care and Gentiva Hospice for their excellent care and kindness.

All services will take place on Wednesday, January  31 at Good Hope Lutheran Church. Her family will receive friends from 10 to 10:50 am in the church auditorium followed by her funeral beginning at 11:00 am with Pastor Tanyce Addison officiating and burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery. 

Contributions can be made payable to either Good Hope Lutheran Church or the Bucyrus Backpack Program. These gifts will be accepted through Wise Funeral Service or at the church on the day of services. Online memories are encouraged to be shared on her guestbook.