Evelyn Mae Rockwell

Evelyn Mae (Yates) Rockwell, 93, of Des Moines, IA passed away peacefully in her sleep on September 4, 2023, at Genesis Senior Living Center. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, September 12, 2023, at Simpson United Methodist Church, 2600 Capitol Avenue, Des Moines with burial following at Laurel Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be held Monday, September 11, 2023, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines where you can meet with the family from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Evelyn was born April 1, 1930, to Earl Roy Yates and Helen Tyonne (Kellogg) Yates in Lockman, Iowa. She was the third oldest of 12 children. She married the love of her life, Robert Vernon Rockwell on March 21, 1946. They were married 64 years before he passed in May 2010. They lived in Des Moines, California, and on an 80 acre farm in Lucas County where they raised their two children. She loved the little calves and even brought them into the kitchen to warm them near the stove. She was a member of Simpson United Methodist Church where she was in charge of the kitchen during the spring/fall UMW dinners and the Communion Steward. She was also a lifetime member of Baldwin-Patterson #274 Auxiliary where she was the treasurer for many years. Evelyn stayed home with her children until they were grown. She started cleaning houses and apartments for the elderly as well as giving them companionship. There was never a stranger she wouldn’t go up to talk to. She was loved by everyone she met. She was our social butterfly. She was very outgoing giving hugs and kisses as she made her way through life.

Evelyn is survived by her daughter LaVerna (Tom) Hoke, son Robert (Eliz) Rockwell, five grandchildren: Amanda (Jeff) Robert, Katie (Drew) VanderWiel, Phillip (Jordyn), Christopher (Mashayla), Zachary Rockwell, and six great grandchildren: Bryce, Ava, Danielle, Kolten, Greydon, and Magnolia. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and ten brothers and sisters.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family to be distributed to her favorite charities.

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