Evelyn M. Atkinson, 60, of rural Columbus, Kansas died May 6, 2005 at Freeman Medical Center in Joplin, Mo. She was born September 13, 1944 at Hallowell, Kansas, the daughter of John and Louise Pickering Epler. She graduated from Columbus High School in 1962. She earned a Bachelors of Business Education degree in 1966 and a Masters Degree in Business Education Degree in 1971 from Pittsburg State University. She taught high school business at Butler, Missouri, Horton, Kansas and Erie, Kansas. She also taught computer science for Labette County Community College. She was a birthright member of the Friendship Friends Church of Hallowell, Kansas and Delta Kappa Gamma of Neosho County.

She married Marion Wayne Atkinson on March 27, 1988 in Erie, Kansas. He survives of the home. She is also survived by her father, John H. Epler of Hallowell, Kansas, two sisters, Jean Studebaker and her husband Jack of Fredonia, Kansas, Karen Dolanc and her husband Terry of Joplin, Missouri; 2 brothers, John and his wife Cindy Epler and Mark and his wife Betty of rural Columbus, Kansas; life-long friend, Jane Conley; one step-son, Charles Atkinson of Great Bend, Kansas, 2 step-granddaughters, 1 step-grandson and 1 step great-grandson.

Visitation will be at Simpson Funeral Home, 323 S Kansas, Columbus, Kansas on Monday, May 9, 2005 from 7-8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be at Simpson Funeral Home on Tuesday, May 10, 2005 at 2:00 p. m. with the Reverend Fred Jordan officiating.

Burial will be at Park Cemetery, Columbus, Kansas. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to The International Tremor Foundation. Memorials can be left or mailed to Simpson Funeral Home.