Evelyn (Miner) Ekins

Evelyn Miner Ekins of Payson passed away on December 15, 2021 at her home in Payson, Utah. She was 96 years old.

Evelyn was born on March 8, 1925, the youngest child of Thorn Chase and Selina Kershaw Miner in Springville, Utah. She lived in Springville until she was two, when her family moved to a suburb of Philadelphia. They drove from Springville to Philadelphia in a Model T Ford, backing up the hills.

She lived in, and attended schools in the Philadelphia area until 1943, when she moved back to Provo to attend Brigham Young University, where she was known by many of her friends as Daisy. It was there, in winter of 1945, she met her future husband, Reed Rudolph Ekins, Jr. They were married on March 29, 1946.

Reed and Evelyn eventually settled in Payson, and began welcoming children into their home. They had four boys and one daughter. Reed Rudolph, III (Rudy), in 1947, Brent Kershaw, 1952, Deirdre, 1955, Todd Andrew, 1961, and David Scott, 1965.

Evelyn had a knack for discovering and encouraging her children’s talents and interests, sometimes including bribery. She involved most of her children in 4H, and became a mother figure to so many more, teaching some gardening, but mostly horsemanship.

During the years they were raising their children, Evelyn and Reed were involved in racing horses, beginning with Arabians, and ending with Thoroughbreds and Paints. She met many people from all walks of life, and is fondly remembered as lovely and generous.

She had so many talents, including, but not limited to: gardening, sewing, cooking and baking, choral singing, and playing the piano.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her husband, Reed Rudolph Ekins, Jr., her parents, Thorn Chase and Selena Kershaw Miner. Siblings, Jefferson, Gladys, Herbert, Mary, Nancy, and Gwendolyn. Daughter-in-law, Karen Anderson Ekins. A great granddaughter, Hadley Harris.

She is survived by her five children, Rudy (Verlyn), Brent, Deirdre Elison (Tim), Todd (Denise), and David (Karen), many fortunate grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a special bonus daughter, Diann Yamasaki Kitteridge.

Funeral Services will be held Monday, December 20, 2021 at 1:00 pm in the West Mountain Second Ward Chapel, located at 902 West 400 North in Payson. A viewing for friends and family will be held Sunday, December 19, 2021 from 6-8 pm at the same chapel and on Monday from 11:30 am – 12:30 pm, prior to the services. Interment will be at the Evergreen Cemetery in Springville, Utah.

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