Evonne Izora (Aby) Flax passed away on April 29, 2025, at the age of 90. Born to Perry and Irma (Masek) Aby on April 9, 1935, in New Underwood, SD. Evonne was the cherished third child among seven siblings. She began her education in New Underwood and continued it with moves to Wendt in 1941, and then Canning and Blunt, ultimately graduating from Pierre High School in 1951. During her school years, Evonne showed remarkable talent as a member of the Blunt Monarchs basketball team, leaving a legacy that her grandchildren and great-grandchildren proudly followed.
Upon completing her schooling, Evonne was employed at Miller Studio in Pierre, where her life took a great turn. It was there that her coworker Dorothy Anderson introduced her to the man who would become her beloved husband, Joseph Frank Flax. Their love story began with Joe confidently telling Dorothy and her husband Ole, that he had just met “the woman he was going to marry.” They married on September 19, 1953, setting forth on a journey that brought seven children into the world.
Evonne devoted her life to being a supportive wife, a nurturing mother, and a passionate caregiver. She spent countless hours involving her children in enriching activities like 4-H Club, swim lessons, baseball, softball, and other sports. As a 4-H Club leader, Evonne was a beacon of encouragement, teaching the importance of cooking, baking, sewing, and effective leadership. Her optimistic spirit was encapsulated in her often-repeated saying, “where there’s a will, there’s a way.”
Her calling to care for others led Evonne to pursue a career in healthcare. She started as a nurse’s aide, but her commitment to helping others propelled her to further her education and become a Registered Nurse and an EMT. Evonne generously gave her time to organizations such as Fishing Has No Boundaries and served as a dedicated Home Health nurse for Justice Steve Zinter.
After a fulfilling 50-year tenure in nursing at St. Mary’s Hospital and Maryhouse, Evonne retired from her profession but not from life’s adventures. She found joy in traveling with family and friends and treasured the special moments and interests she shared with each of her children. In 2000, after the passing of her husband, Joe, Evonne found companionship and delight in her three bulldogs, Bruno, Bella, and Blaze, who were adoringly spoiled under her care. Her children agree that her dogs were spoiled rotten and treated with more leniency than they!
Despite facing health challenges in her later years, Evonne remained in the comfort of her home with the support of her loving children and healthcare professionals, eventually becoming a resident at the Groton Avantara Rehab Center. In her final days, she lived with her daughter Denise, surrounded by the warmth of family.
A highlight of Evonne’s later years was the grand celebration of her 90th birthday on April 9, 2025. Her children and grandchildren organized a MUCH REQUESTED birthday bash that saw an outpouring of family and friends. The joyous event created lasting memories and fulfilled a cherished desire on her “Bucket List.”
Evonne’s beautiful life will be remembered by her children, Joey, Virginia, Starlene, Loretta, Evey (Britt), Denise, and John (Christine). Her legacy will live on through her grandchildren Yvonne (Bill), Kenley (Shawna), Michael, Katie (Justin), Kayla (Lee), Korina (Brant), Rachel (Philip), Kaelob, Aly (Jason), Kaitlin (Seth), Zach (Elizabeth), Trea, Keaton, and Grace; her many great- and great-great-grandchildren; her sister Geraldine Ray; sisters-in-law Mary, Peggy, and Pam; and a host of cherished cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Predeceased by Joe, her husband of 47 years, her parents Perry and Irma Aby; and her siblings Lois (Louie), Shirley (Bill), Perry Jr., Richard, and Donnie, Evonne leaves a legacy of love, determination, and compassion that will continue to inspire all who knew her.
