Evelyn Jane Maahs

Evelyn Jane Maahs, 84, peacefully departed from this world in the early morning hours of Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at her home East of Altus, Oklahoma. Born in Tolleson, Arizona on June 2, 1940, to Luther Eliza & Dollie Mae (Bearden) Rhodes, Evelyn led a life filled with cherished experiences and meaningful connections. During her school years, she was involved in many clubs and organizations such as Girl Scouts of America where she earned patches in Plant Life, Animal Life, and Ornithology. She lettered in tennis and basketball, but basketball held a special place in Evelyn's heart, where her grace, determination, and competitive spirit shone through. Her love for the sport inspired her children and paved the way for lasting memories on the court. She graduated from Frederick High School in 1959 and married her beloved husband, Robert F. “Bob” Maahs, on August 8th of the same year. This union brought forth three children whom she deeply cherished, Michael Robert, Michelle Reneé, and Mark Richard. 

Following a move to Altus in early 1965, Evelyn immersed herself in her children's lives, serving as a coach for their basketball teams, a den mother for the Boy Scouts, president of the PTA, and a dedicated motocross enthusiast. She was an avid member of the Altus Bowling League and scored many perfect games. She had a love for the outdoors and often took the kids camping, hiking, and sightseeing at the Wichita Mountains range. She enjoyed playing cards and dominos. Evelyn loved animals and always had a special pet throughout her life. She raised birds and loved to read historical biographies. Animals and babies loved her, and the house was the neighborhood hangout because she was so easygoing and fun. She was an active member of the Lutheran Women’s Association, reflecting her deep commitment to her faith.

After the children began to leave the nest, Evelyn delved into creative hobbies. Her passions included photography, quilting, crocheting, and handcrafting many outfits and costumes for the family and grandkids. She brought home many blue ribbons from the State Fair for her talents. She also loved growing food in the garden, tending to her irises, and baking her homemade pies for all holidays and family gatherings. She adored all six of her grandchildren and never missed an opportunity to support them in all their activities, cheering them on from the stands. Her home was an ever-welcoming safe place to land.

Known for her quick wit, sense of humor, and matter-of-fact personality, Evelyn brought laughter and joy into our lives in a way that only she could. Her no-nonsense approach to life was a refreshing reminder to embrace authenticity and never shy away from speaking our minds. Her words of wisdom, wrapped in humor and wit, will continue to resonate with each of us and guide us through life’s twists and turns. She always kept everyone on their toes wondering what she would say or do next. Evelyn will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who were touched by her warm spirit and unwavering dedication to those she loved.

Evelyn’s memory will live on in her husband of 65 years, Bob; children, Michael Maahs and wife Kim, Michelle McKenzie and husband, Mitchell, and Mark Maahs and wife, Robin; grandchildren, Marty Maahs and wife, Lauren, Megan Greer and husband, Ryan, Mason Maahs and wife, Amy, Mabree Edwards and husband, Hunter, Madison Southall and husband, Read, and Shalee Maahs and fiancé, Joe Buchanan; great-grandchildren, Kenli Greer, Kelbi Greer, Montana Maahs, Maddox Maahs, Mattie Maahs, Miles Maahs, Mack Maahs, McCoy Maahs, and Sunny Southall; and many other family and friends. She was predeceased by her parents, Luther and Dollie; and siblings, Doris Ann Rhodes, Harold Newton Rhodes, Carl Riley Rhodes, Loretta Faye Brumbalow, James Luther Ray Rhodes, Charles Leroy Rhodes, and Freddie Wayne Rhodes.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM on Friday, September 20, 2024, at the Burkhardt Memorial Chapel in the Frederick Cemetery. Burial will immediately follow. Online tributes may be made at www.kincannonfuneralhome.com.