Evelyn Freeze

Evelyn Freeze, Topeka, formerly of Overland Park, KS, died Friday, November 21, 2008, 4 days after her 95th birthday, in the presence of her loving family.
Evelyn was born on November 17, 1913, in Tullahoma, TN, to Vera Koontz Harmon and George Littleton Harmon. She graduated from Hume-Fogg High School in Nashville, where she grew up. Evelyn's mother died at age 43, leaving three young siblings in the care of Evelyn, 16, and her older sister Frances. Evelyn chose to care for her little sisters, Pat and Betty Sue, and her brother, George, in lieu of attending college. She was first employed at Sanders Manufacturing Company, owned by her uncle. She then worked as a stenographer in the Nashville, Memphis, and St. Louis offices of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. In Memphis, she met and married a young lawyer, John Lawrence Freeze. They married on Evelyn's 26th birthday, November 17, 1939, and shared 61 wonderful years together. When John retired, they spent virtually every day on the tennis court until they were 88 years old. Their greatest pleasure was spending time together. Accomplished musicians, they made beautiful music together, as well, she playing the piano, and he, the violin. They resided in Overland Park for 40 years. Evelyn was a member of Asbury United Methodist Church in Prairie Village, KS.
Evelyn was pre-deceased by her beloved parents, Vera and George Harmon; her sisters, Betty Sue Harmon and Frances Harmon; her brother, Lt. Col. George L. Harmon, USAF; her infant daughter, Celia Lawrence Freeze; her dear husband, John L. Freeze; and her much adored English Shepherd, Henry.
She is survived by her daughter, Leslie Freeze Johnson, Topeka; son Larry Freeze and wife, Marilyn, Topeka; adored granddaughters Laura Theresa Freeze, a teacher in China, and Andrea Susan Freeze, a student at Embry-Riddle University, Daytona Beach, FL, and their mother and special friend of Evelyn, Anne Freeze, Topeka; her sister, Patricia Harmon Bosley, Orlando, FL; nephews Joey and Jeff Bosley; and nephews George, David, Mike, Danny, John, and Tom Harmon and their mother, Elaine Harmon; cousins Tom and Jay Sanders, Nashville, TN; and many friends including the thoughtful staff at Lexington Park Nursing, Topeka, where she resided for nearly six years.
Evelyn built her life on the foundation of the hope in her Lord Jesus Christ. Her faith in the Father and His Son was undying and was exhibited in her kindness, encouragement, wisdom, humor, joy, and beauty. The Father's light shone through her, and there are huge patches of light that will remain here on earth because of her, even as she resides in her amazing heavenly home.
Evelyn taught us all the meaning of grace during adversity. She was the epitome
of the witty and beautiful Southern lady, and she will be in our hearts forever and ever.
Friends are contributing in her memory to Midland Hospice Care, 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka 66606, or the charity of the donor's choice.
A celebration of Evelyn's life will take place at a later date.
Newcomer Funeral Home, Topeka, is assisting the family.