Florence "Evelyne" Leef

EVELYNE LEEF, 100, of Julesburg, CO, peacefully entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, March 29, 2023, at the Sedgwick County Nursing Home in Julesburg.

Florence Evelyne Palser was born on a farm south of Big Springs, Nebraska, on July 24, 1922, to Edgar Seymour Palser and Alice Fern (Wood) Palser. She was the only daughter of Edgar and Alice but had two older brothers, Dwight and Dale, and a younger brother, Philip. At the young age of 5, her father passed away, and so she, her mother, and her brothers did the best they could living on their farm southeast of Big Springs, Nebraska.

Evelyne received her elementary education in a country school in Perkins County, a mile south of where she lived. She attended high school in Big Springs and graduated with the class of 1940.

Evelyne had a lovely singing voice and won many vocal contests throughout her high school years. She continued to use her vocal talents in the community for many years.

From the time Evelyne began playing with dolls, putting bandages on them and pretending they had a broken arm or a broken leg, she knew she wanted to take care of others... she knew she wanted to be a nurse. In 1942 Evelyne applied for a job at the hospital in Julesburg. Dr. Day told her, "if you want to be a nurse, you can start now." She learned nursing skills on the job while working at the hospital. For a short time, she worked as a private duty nurse in Texas, at the hospital in Chappell, and as an office nurse for Dr. Baker in Big Springs.

In August of 1949, Evelyne married Alvin Leef, and together they moved to their farm north of Julesburg in Deuel County, Nebraska. They were blessed with three children, Alice Charmaine, Alvin Craig, and Blaine Seymour.

Evelyne helped Alvin on the farm for the next ten years. In 1959 Evelyne earned her LPN (licensed practical nurse) license and worked for the next 51 years at the hospital and the nursing home in Julesburg. She was also very involved in the Channel 9 Health Fairs. In 2002 she received an "Excellence in Nursing" award from the Centennial Area Health Education Center. The award stated, "Evelyne Leef, an outstanding and amazing nurse." Evelyne's motto was, "treat others the way you want to be treated." In 2010, at the age of 88, Evelyne retired after serving the Sedgwick County Health System for 51 years. In 2012, at the age of 90, she saved a neighbor's life by administering CPR until the EMTs arrived.

One of Evelyne's grandchildren once said, "Grandma talks to everyone." She certainly had a spirit of caring and friendship. Until just the last few years, she sent cards to those that were sick, needed encouragement, were having a birthday or anniversary, bereavement, or just to say Hi.
Besides helping Alvin on the farm, working, and being active in the children's functions, Evelyne was also involved in numerous activities in the community. She was a member of the HEO Club, HHH Club, Business, and Professional Women's Club and was part of a golf league. She also liked to knit, crochet, and embroider squares to make into quilts, was an avid reader, and enjoyed doing word searches, jigsaw puzzles, and traveling. Family members were the recipients of many pieces of her beautiful handy work.

Alvin passed away in 1999, leaving a big void in Evelyne's life. She kept busy with work and taking trips with family members. She and her daughter Charmaine visited all the states of the union except North Dakota. International travels included Ireland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Canada, the Bahamas, Nova Scotia, and the Mexican Riviera.

Evelyne's faith and relationship with God was very special and important to her. She was a lifelong member of the Assembly of God Church in Big Springs. She taught Sunday school and was a member of the Women's Missionary Council. She also led many Bible studies in Julesburg and was an ardent prayer warrior. We always knew mom was praying for all of us.

Evelyne was preceded in death by her parents, Edgar and Alice Palser; brothers, Dwight Palser (Lois) and Dale Palser (Louise); husband, Alvin Leef; and son, Blaine Leef.

Those left to mourn her passing are her brother, Philip Palser and wife, Victorine; daughter, Charmaine Ness and husband, Russell; son, Craig Leef and wife, Ethel; and daughter-in-law, J Leef. Also, grandchildren Autumn Elston and husband Jesse, Amber Thomas and husband Jeremiah, Tara Hansen and husband Matthew, Jason Leef and wife Stephanie, Nash Leef and fiance Megan and Pierce Leef; Great grandchildren Katlyn Green, Layne Green, Breanne Hansen, Brandon Hansen, Torrance Leef, Alister Thomas, and Soren Thomas. Great-great grandchildren Rosie Green and Emaleigh Green and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Living over a hundred years, Evelyne experienced many triumphs and some tragedies, yet, she stood strong in her faith and was resilient in every way. Knowing that aging is a privilege denied to many, yet, 100 years was still not enough. Mom, we will all miss you very much... until we meet again.

A memorial has been established in Evelyne's memory for later designation. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsjulesburg.com, where the services will be streamed live.

Services will be on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, at 10:30 am at the Big Springs Assembly of God Church, with Pastor Robin Storer officiating. Interment will be in the Big Springs Cemetery. Visitation will be on Monday, from 4 pm until 7 pm, at the Prairie Hills Funeral Home in Julesburg.

Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Julesburg is in charge of arrangements.