Evelyn M. Allensworth, age 66, of Grafton, ND passed away on Friday, February 24, 2017 at the Altru Hospital of Grand Forks after a fierce battle with cancer.
Evelyn Mary Heuchert was born August 8, 1950 in Grafton, ND, the daughter of the late Raymond and Helen (Williamson) Heuchert. She grew up in rural St. Thomas where her family farmed. She graduated from St. Thomas High School in 1968 and then attended Mayville State University where she graduated with a degree in Education. After completing college in 1972, she taught at the Turtle Mountain Head Start Program in Dunseith, ND. She later taught first and second grade in Goodrich, ND. In 1976, Evelyn was called to serve as a missionary teacher in Papua New Guinea for both the children of missionaries and the native children of Papua New Guinea. She taught both religious curriculum and academics. Evelyn often recalled this experience as one of the best of her life. She returned to the United States in 1978 where she taught grades 1-8 in Hannover, ND, and in 1979 began teaching religious education to the clients of the Developmental Center at the All Faith’s Chapel in Grafton, ND. She met her former husband, John “Kevin” Allensworth there, and they were married in 1982. They had two children together-Zachary born in 1988 and Laura in 1994. Evelyn moved to Grand Forks in the fall of 2015 and retired after 38 years at the All Faith’s Chapel in August of 2016.
Evelyn was a former member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of St. Thomas and currently a member of Zion English Lutheran Church of Grafton. She was active in both churches; teaching bible study and Sunday school, participating in the LWML, church choir, and helping with the confirmation classes. She enjoyed music, crafting, doing puzzles, watching musicals, and bible studies. Evelyn lived a life of kindness and serving others. She was always ready with a smile, a joke and a hug. She will be missed by many.
She is survived by her children: Zachary and Laura Allensworth, both of Grand Forks, ND, former husband and friend John K. Allensworth, Grand Forks, ND, brother Glenn (Cathi, Aaron) Heuchert, Grafton, ND; nephew, Jeremy Lane, Grand Forks, ND, as well as several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, infant sister Bonnie, and sister Betty Heuchert, and nephew Brian Johnson.
Funeral services will be Friday, March 3, 2017 at 10:30 A.M. at the Zion English Lutheran Church of Grafton. Visitation will be Thursday from 5-7 with a prayer service at 7:00 P.M. at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton. Friends may also call at the church for one hour prior to the service. A memorial service will be held during the March 5 regular services at the All Faith’s Chapel at 1:45 P.M. Inurnment will be at the St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery in the spring.
Cards and condolences can be sent to 615 N. 39th St. apt 208D
Grand forks ND 58203
