Evelyn Rose Sexson

Evelyn Rose (Keefe) Sexson, age 94, of Weskan, KS passed away peacefully on January 7, 2025 at Hope Springs Care Center in Sharon Springs, KS. Born June 13, 1930 in Winsted, MN as the youngest of 7 children to Daniel and Mary Keefe. A longtime resident of Weskan, she was preceded in death by her husband, Iley Austin Sexson (1996), grandson John Henry Sexson (1990) and all her siblings and Iley’s siblings. She was the last of that generation and enjoyed sharing her stories. 

She is survived by her children, David Sexson (Bonnie) of Weskan; Jean Kreger (Leland) of Kanorado, KS; Bill Sexson (Teresa) of Wichita, KS; Richard Sexson (Kay Ann) of Cheyenne Wells, CO; Gloria Leitner (Ren) of Longmont, CO; Faith Rayl (Michael) of Longmont, CO; 17 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great granddaughter; 8 step grandchildren and 19 step great-grandchildren.

Brother Jerome; aka Uncle Doc of Keefe Memorial in Cheyenne Wells, provided college funding support for Mom to attend college at St Benedict in St Cloud MN. Shortly after college graduation in 1952, Jerome’s wife Dorothy was stricken with polio and “Doc” requested help with his 3 young boys, Daniel, Mike, Barry. After Dorothy’s passing Dec 11, 1952, Evelyn was invited to dinner of Florence and Bob Sexson who were close friends of Doc. There lying on the floor was Iley and introductions were made…..the rest is history.

Evelyn and Iley married Jan 5, 1954 in Cheyenne Wells and she was introduced to ranching and farm life in Weskan, KS. Within 8 years they had 6 children enjoying the farm life on Mt Sunflower Rd.

She pursued teaching English/Literatur at Weskan School (1967-1975) and then at Arapahoe School until 1980. During her time at Weskan she led the Jr/Sr class in putting on a stage play. She had a passion for novels, acting and singing that inspired her to promote this for the students and the community. During her time at Arapahoe, the graduation class of 1978 was able to get Billy Carter (brother of late President Jimmy Carter) to speak at their ceremony. 

Once they were empty nesters, the farm life that Iley had established was turned over to David to continue operation. At that time there was a need to establish a retirement home in the town of Weskan. Evelyn’s treasured home was brought in 1987 from the Vo-Tech Carpenters in Goodland, KS with ground-breaking taking place during the Centennial Celebration of Weskan. The family shared many family gatherings in the home. After Iley’s passing in 1996, she continued to host the traditional holiday events with it expanding into the garage that family members provided heat and table setup contributions.

After her teaching days she began to work for the Weskan Post Office as relief Postmaster where she celebrated 20 years of service in 2003. When they required her to turn on a computer, she politely said, “NO Thanks”, and turned in her resignation to retire.

Her passion for sports kept Evelyn active in attending the grandkids’ games and school activities. She missed traveling back to home state Minnesota to visit with siblings when Iley was alive. Son Bill would get her to Winsted for family reunions and daughter Gloria took her to Honolulu in 1997 and Zion National Park in 1998 to get a taste of the great outdoors. 

The milestone celebration of her 90th birthday took place during the COVID pandemic. Her ability to remain on her own was becoming a safety concern and she was moved into the Assisted Living facility in Sharon Springs. This was not an easy transition, but she eventually got into the routine of being cared for by the Hope Springs staff. She was treated to many meal outings at the Farmhouse and Townsend Tavern when family came to visit. She always enjoyed the County Fair Parade, seeing the family and community enjoy the carnival activities and best of all the Fireworks display. 

Memorial contributions may be made out to the Holy Ghost Catholic Church or to the Wallace County Amusement Association and may be left at the services or mailed to Koons-Russell Funeral Home, 211 N. Main Ave., Goodland, KS 67735.