Evelyn was born on October 4, 1921, in Turtle Creek, PA, the daughter of Franklin O. and Ellen Rutter Speelman. She graduated from Muskingum College, New Oxford, OH, in 1943 with a B.A. in Home Economics. On June 5, 1943, at Fort Benning, GA, she was married to Thomas R. Gorsuch, who preceded her in death in 1966. Evelyn started the first private kindergarten in Monroeville, PA, and then taught elementary school in Westminster, MD, after moving from Monroeville with her husband and family in 1963.

She married Dwayne C. Larson on December 26, 1969, in St. Marys, PA, and moved to Salina soon after. Dwayne preceded her in death in 2002. Evelyn was a member of First United Methodist Church in Salina and of PEO Chapter ED.

Survivors include two daughters, Christine G. Carr and her husband, Thomas, of Jefferson City, MO, and Beth G. Brown of Westminster, MD; one stepdaughter, Jean L. Abney and her husband, William, of Denver, CO; three grandchildren, Meghan L. Carr, Kansas City, MO, Andrew T. Carr, St. Louis, and Thomas G. Madrinan, Westminster, MO; two stepgrandchildren, Kate C. Abney, Denver, and Jill M, Abney, Dominican Republic; and one sister, Della S. (Billie) Diehl, St. Marys, PA.

A memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church, Salina, at 11 a.m. Tuesday, January 29, 2008. Visitation with the family will be at the church immediately following the service. A private family interment will follow in Pittsburgh, PA.

Memorials are suggested to First United Methodist Church or the Salina Presbyterian Manor.Arrangements are under the direction of Ryan Mortuary, Salina.