Evelyn Mae South Simco 4/18/1920 ~ 2/3/2007 Evelyn Mae South Simco was born the third youngest of nine children in Blue Mountain, Arkansas. Growing up on a farm in that poor rural area shaped many of her attitudes and overall outlook throughout her entire life. She often said that she and her brothers and sisters did not know at the time how poor they really were, as the entire family worked in the fields and farm. They just thought that life was normal to sleep six to a bed, have only one pair of shoes for each child to wear on winter walks to school, and hand-me-down clothing from older brothers and sisters, or live through the winter on only turnips and biscuits. Evelyn's early Southern heritage remained with her by her gracious, elegant and unselfish manner throughout life. As well, her love and appreciation of family, lifelong sense of humor, and strong work ethic were shaped by her early life, giving her an ability to face all of her life's challenges with a positive attitude and humor that was motivating and inspirational to all those whose lives she touched. Although she was not able to go on to higher education, she often joked that she was a graduate of the "School of Hard Knocks," without even the slightest trace of self pity and indeed, a sense of pride. Although small in stature, her strength and endurance throughout a very hard childhood and endless challenges of life, made her the strongest, most independent woman anyone would meet. However, rather than have life's struggles become a burden, she chose to appreciate even the smallest of joys that was offered to her. It is these characteristics and attributes and many more that she tried to teach and pass on to her children by living as an example. She would return any kindnesses shown to her a hundred fold and always believed that "handwritten" thank you's and cards were more personal. Always putting others first, she would go without many times to provide for her children, a friend, neighbor, or co-worker in need. She worked hard her entire life in various jobs, from office to restaurant, switchboard operator to volunteering in pediatric wards in local hospitals. Even as events took her to many cities in different parts of the United States, she said that she was happiest just being able to come home to one place. She said that even though she was happy at home, if she was ever able to travel she would like to see all of the United States before exploring the rest of the world. She deeply loved, appreciated and valued America and the freedom, way of life, and opportunity that we have here. She found joy in both the great and small things of life, the Wasatch Mountains, animals, funny cards, a good joke, children. Her love and compassion for children and animals was as contagious and quick as her laugh. Because of her unselfish love for her family she was constantly reminding her children how important it is to stay close as a family. "When all is said. Family is all we have" she believed. She finally returned to Salt Lake City in the early 1970's where she lived for the rest of her life. After a long battle with osteoporosis and complications from other medical issues, Mom is finally at peace. She is likely now standing tall with her auburn hair and radiant smile with her brothers and sisters laughing over a good meal of biscuits, gravy, cornbread, and a good cup of coffee as her favorite "Big Band" music plays softly in the background. We know you will always be whispering in our ear Mom, Grandma. All we need to do is listen. Daughter of Willie Land South (mother) and Dorsey Neil South (father). Evelyn leaves behind her brother, Wid T. South; sons, Jimmy Payne, Bud Allen Simco, Charles Lance Simco (Jai Lan); daughter, Shauna Gwenn Kringlie (Chris (Scooter); grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many, many loved nieces and nephews. Family condolences may be sent via www.celebratinglife-ut.com