Evelyn Ann Sickel Whittaker, aged 84, formerly of Hazen, died peacefully on May 10, 2015. She was born February 27, 1931 in Tollville, Arkansas the daughter of Blanche and Adolph Sickel.
She lived in Prairie County most of her life and was a life-long member of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Tollville. Evelyn Ann graduated from De Valls Bluff High School and then attended Texas State College for Women (now TWU) in Denton.
In 1971 she brought the Country Closet in Hazen and managed it for 28 years before retiring.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Don Whittaker, and a brother Horace “Pete” Sickel. She leaves her two daughters, Cindy Allen and husband, Dave of Batesville, Arkansas; Candy Linn and husband, Donald of Cottonwood Falls, Kansas; two granddaughters, Erin Finzer and husband, Bert of Little Rock and Kathryn Lagus and husband, Todd, of the Woodlands, Texas; one grandson, Brad Allen and wife, Brandy of Fayetteville and four great-grandchildren. She is also survived by two very special nephews and their families, Lindy and Alan Sickel of Tollville.
A service will be held at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Tollville on May 13, 2015 at 3:00 P.M. The family will receive friends at the church Parish Hall prior to the memorial service from 2:00 to 3:00 P.M.
Graveside service immediately following the service at the Hazen Cemetery in Hazen, Arkansas. In Lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to St Peter’s Episcopal Church, Tollville, 1432 Hwy. 86 East, De Valls Bluff, Arkansas 72041 or to the Hazen Cemetery P.O. Box 92, Hazen, Ar. 72064
Arrangements are by Westbrook Funeral Home of Hazen.
What a special smile and sense of humor that woman had! Like her Mother, she made everyone feel special and it was always extra special just to be around her because sooner or later she would say something that made you laugh and feel good. VERY intelligent person and a quick wit that few could match except perhaps for Pete who was always one step ahead of everyone. Both were very, very special people, each accomplished in their own ways.
One can’t really say it is a lesser place now that she is gone. What one can say is the world is a better place for her having been here.
God bless you, Evelyn Ann, and thank you for the love and warmth that big ‘ol heart gave all of us.
Steve and Nyona
DID NOT KNOW HER, IF SHE WAS ANYTHING LIKE CANDY SHE HAD TO BE A VERY SPECIAL PERSON. CONDOLENCE’S TO THE FAMILY.
Cindy, I know what it is to lose a mother. Mine went all to soon. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Cindy, I know what it is like to lose your mother. Mine went all too quickly. My thoughts and prayers will be with you. There is no one like a mother.
Cindy, I know what it is like to lose your mother. Mine went all to quickly. My thoughts and prayers will be with you. There is no one like a mother.
MY FRIEND FOR YEARS, FINISHED HIGH SCOOL WITH HER & SAW HER
EACH TRIP TO BATESVILLE–MAY 4 2015 LAST WEEK & WE HAD A
GREAT VISIT WITH HER.
OUR THOUGHTS & PRAYERS FOR HER & FAMILY
WILL MISS HER GREATLY
JOHN & KAYE SCHRATZ
We were so very sorry to hear of your loss. Know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
No words can express the heart felt sadness I am feeling at this moment. Mrs Evelyn was a very special woman and dear to me. My mother Frances Fisher and Mrs Evelyn were the best of friends she was family always has been! Look up classy in the dictionary and you will see her pictures! I love you and will miss you dearly!!!
Candy we were so sorry to here the passing of your mother. Our hearts and prayers are with you. May our dear Lord comfort you in your time of grief.
Thinking of you on this day – we know the fun, joy and love that Brad (and Bran) received and shared with her. We always enjoy hearing stories that bring much laughter and often many lessons! We are happy that we had the opportunity to meet and spend time with Evelyn at their wedding.
Such a sweet lady and “lady” was the word to describe. Loved by her family and will be missed. Love you guys.