MONTE VISTA —Lonna Evans passed away on Tuesday, April 16, 2019 at the Monte Vista Estates nursing facility at the age of 99.

Lonna was born on May 6, 1919 in Milwaukee, Wis. to Laurita Perez Parker and Wilfred C. Parker. In high school in Milwaukee Lonna was an avid cellist. She graduated from the University of Michigan in 1941 with a B.A. in music. Lonna met Jacob A. Evans, who also studied music at the University of Michigan, and they married on Dec. 5, 1942.

After World War II, Lonna mostly lived in the New York City area, where she raised six children (born between 1944 and 1962). She was active in chamber music and co-founded the Chappaqua Orchestra in 1958. In 1962, the family moved to Glenview, Ill. Lonna took courses to obtain a teaching certificate and taught string instruments in the Deerfield Public Schools. 

In 1976, Lonna and Jacob moved to Los Alamos, N.M., where she became active in the music scene there, playing cello in the Los Alamos Symphony Orchestra and with friends in weekly quartets. She was a real estate agent from 1979 until 1989. Lonna was active in the Los Alamos community, volunteering at the Sombrillo nursing facility and for other organizations. In 2009, she moved to Casa Illuminaria in Del Norte to be near her youngest son.

Lonna is survived by her children, Carol Evans of Chicago, Jackie Gause of Seattle, Steve (Michelle) Evans of Centenial Colo., Dottie (Gary Weis) Evans-Weis of Salem Mo. and Frank Evans (Susanna Gross) of Del Norte, Colo. She is also survived by six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Lonna was preceded in death by her parents, Laurita and Wilfred Parker; her brothers, Frank Parker and Wilfred P Parker; and her daughter, Ginger Evans (who died in childhood).

Cremation was chosen and entrusted to Rogers Family Mortuary of Monte Vista with a private family service to be held at a later date. 

If you would like to leave online condolences or tributes for the family please visit Lonna’s obituary at www.RogersFunerals.com.