Evelyn M. Bales Coursen, age 99, passed peacefully in her sleep at Liberty Hospital on Thursday, April 28, 2022 at 3:45 p.m. She was born in Excelsior Springs, MO, on July 16, 1922 to Floyd Bales and Regina Spanier Bales.
She is survived by her daughters, Betty Coursen Reese and Deborah Coursen (David) Greenwood; and sisters, Dorothy Bales Callicotte, Phyllis Bales Mills Gudde, and Sandra “Sandy” Bales Gordon.
She was predeceased by her parents; brothers, George, Redmond, Forest “Frosty” and Robert Bales; sons, Lyle Edward, Norman, Thomas and Jerry Wayne; and her baby daughter, Carol Sue.
Evelyn was privileged to have had 12 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, 23 great-great grandchildren and one great-great-great granddaughter. She loved her family very much. She retired from the office of Krogers in NKC and then, at the age of 55, went to work on the assembly line at Ford Motor Co. in Claycomo until retirement at age 65. It was no easy feat for a woman her age, especially being only 4’ 9” tall and weighing 110 pounds. Co-workers called her granny. She began to travel in her 70s and loved new adventures and sights. Evelyn became so learned that she worked crossword puzzles with ink pens and knew most of the answers to TV game shows before the contestants. It was almost impossible to beat her at word games, although her answers were quite often questioned by other players. She also enjoyed working in the flower gardens until the age of 90, working jigsaw puzzles and crocheting afghans. She was a long-time member of the Ladies’ Auxiliary at the Excelsior Springs VFW and served for a time as chaplain. She was a generous and compassionate woman and mother who believed in the saying, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything”.
Arrangements in care of Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Excelsior Springs.
Our Sincere Condolences
Deb, I am so sorry. All my sympathies to you and David and the family. Evelyn was a big part of my growing up years, of all the Crippen kids really. Thinking of you and sending prayers.
Nancy Crippen
Sandy and Betty, my prayers are with you and your family in the loss of your sister and mother. So very hard when family leaves this earth. My mother Anna Mae, was friends with Evelyn when they were young. I pray God’s grace and comfort for you at this difficult time. Hope you both are in good health. Betty, I miss seeing you at our high school reunions.
God Bless, Anna