Tamara Olsen Evans

Tamara Evans, 85, passed away at her home in Overland Park, Kansas, on Aug. 3. She was born in 1940 to the late Frank and Hilda Olsen in the small town of Weston, Idaho.

Tamara’s essence was quiet, reserved, spiritual, and beautifully artistic. She was raised in an idyllic Idaho home by her father, the local blacksmith. Tamara and three brothers, who preceded her in death, modeled their mother’s compassion, loyalty, and cleanliness.

As a young adult, she played the piano and organ and sang. Despite performance anxiety, Tamara believed a higher “presence” guided her to overcome shyness.

After graduating high school, she attended Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, where an elementary education degree was earned. There, she met her husband, Bruce, with whom 64 years of marriage were enjoyed. The couple was sealed in the Logan, Utah, Temple in 1962 and soon welcomed a daughter.

The family of three then moved to the Kansas City region for Bruce’s dental career. Although 66 years were spent in Kansas City, she preferred the calm of the country.

Tamara loved teaching first grade in the inner city and cherished those experiences. Having witnessed firsthand the impact of Brown v. Board of Education, she made sure all her students were treated equally.

After teaching, homemaker was her primary role, and she made her Overland Park dwelling of 52 years a place of comfort and security for her four daughters and only son. She created beautiful, clean, and balanced displays and meals. Family, friends, and visitors were greeted with kindness and welcomed to stay.

While she was able, Tamara was passionate about backyard flower gardening, and carefully planned, created, and tended to her own. Many of her children held bridal, wedding, and other celebrations in the picturesque setting.

Tamara was a devoted Kansas City Chiefs fan. From the comfort of her lounge chair, her enthusiastic cheers surely helped power the team to its Super Bowl victories. She looked forward to every game and never held back her adoration. Family calls, conversations, and friendly rivalries often centered on watching the Chiefs—and she was especially proud to have met Andy and Tammy Reid.

Her faith and membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were shaped by parents who gave their time, energy, and talents to improve the lives of fellow congregants. Tamara was allowed opportunities to use her artistic talents in service to others. These included designing and painting sets and costumes for Church theatrical productions; drawing, coloring, and creating cards mailed to family and friends on special occasions; teaching women principles of faith in Relief Society; and painting oil landscapes that adorn many homes. Her posterity will reflect upon gentle words through the cards, paintings, flower arrangements, and wall décor now hanging in their own homes.

As a daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Tamara benefited from the visits, hugs, and creative crafting she organized. Her five children and their spouses; 13 grandchildren and their spouses; and nine great-grandchildren provided meaning and structure to her big-city life away from her family of origin. Helping the artists among them develop their own designs and creative expressions brought joy.

As a long-term home hospice patient, Tamara’s caregivers often complimented the surroundings. While caring for her, team members appreciated a kind, ladylike and calm demeanor, and Tamara responded by calling them “angels on earth.” The wish to pass away at home was fulfilled by her children.

Her surviving relatives include Christine and Paul Lentz of California; Stephanie and Brad Bishop of Kansas; Greg and Tori Evans of California; Tanya and Mark Huntsman of Colorado; and Kimberly Evans of Kansas.

A celebration of life for close family and friends will follow at a later date.

To share your memories of Tamara or to leave a special condolence message to her family, please visit the Guestbook below.