Evelyn J Fraser

Evelyn Joan Fraser, age 85 of Elkhorn and a former resident of Columbus, NE, died on June 21, 2018 at Esprit Whispering Ridge Center in Omaha. She was born the daughter of Frank Millard and Treva Nelle (McManigal) Hightree on July 8, 1932 in Blair, NE. She grew-up in Lyons, Nebraska and was active member of 4-H and church. She attended both grade school and High School in Lyons and graduated in 1951. After High School, she continued her education at Bryan School of Nursing in Lincoln where she received her Registered Nursing Degree. On December 26, 1953, she was united in marriage to Loren Odell Fraser at Lyons Memorial Methodist Church in Lyons. As an adult, Evelyn was interested in baking, sewing, canning; attending Friends of Music performances and community plays; watching her children and grandchildren play sports. She loved to garden and spend time with family and friends. While living in Columbus, she was a 4-H leader for 45 years, a member of Friends of Music and Cub Scout leader. She volunteered for Meals On Wheels, Red Cross Blood Mobile, and Reach to Recovery. Evelyn was a very active member of First United Methodist Church in Columbus, Nebraska for 48 years where she taught Sunday School for 15 years and served on many church committees. She had several leadership roles in United Methodist Women in Columbus and on the state level. When she and Loren moved to Omaha in 2012, she became a member of Elkhorn Hills United Methodist Church for six years. Evelyn enjoyed being a Registered Nurse at Mary Lanning Hospital in Hastings, NE, Sidney, NE and Clarkson Hospital in Omaha, NE. She was a nurse for many years at Columbus Community Hospital in Columbus where she retired at age 72, but stayed involved at the hospital preparing materials for orientation for nurses and serving as the volunteer coordinator for the Hospice and Palliative Care Program. Evelyn always wanted everyone to be happy. She never wanted to be a burden to anyone. She loved her family deeply, worked incredibly hard and enjoyed her work. She was an avid Husker sports and KC Royals fan. She loved to bake and cook meals for anyone who came to their home. Going to Church every Sunday was very important to Evelyn. She was determined and always busy and happy. Her priorities were serving God, her family and friends. Evelyn wanted her husband, kids and grandkids to be happy, healthy and safe. Evelyn founded the Dandy Bakers 4-H Club in 1965 when her daughter wanted to join 4-H. Four of her five children participated in 4-H. After her children were out of 4-H, Evelyn continued to serve as a leader for 45 years. In her later years she was awarded the 4-H Award of the Sapphire Clover in 2001 for 35 years of service as a volunteer leader, and in 2009 received the Meritorious Service Award from 4-H. She organized volunteers for the Red Cross Blood Bank. After a bout with breast cancer, she served as a volunteer for Reach To Recovery. She was a leader of the United Methodist Women. In 2011 she was recognized with the Nebraska Hospice and Palliative Care Association Outstanding Volunteer Award. Evelyn was a great teacher and role model for many people. Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents Frank M. and Treva Nelle Hightree; sister Janet Hough and brother-in-law Al Hough. She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Loren Fraser of Omaha, her children: Mary Meints (Ray) of Omaha, Jeff Fraser (Anna) of Lincoln, NE, Rod Fraser (Terri) of Olathe, KS, Bryan Fraser (Julie) of Elkhorn, NE and Jennifer Meyer (Kip) of Blair, NE; grandchildren: Michelle (Jake) Riggle, Christina Fraser, Scott Fraser, Connor Fraser (Casey), Logan Fraser, Luke Fraser, Bethlehem Fraser; step-grandchildren, John MacBride, Justin, Jeremy and Jason Meyer; great-grandchildren: Mikaela and Natalie Riggle, a sister Elizabeth (William) Baker of Bellingham Washington, as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Evelyn J Fraser

July 8, 1932 - June 21, 2018