Given a name that combines the first names of her grandmothers, Eva and Lena, Evalena—the middle child of six born to her parents—grew up in a Goessel country home.
She began her formal education in a one-room school house and then Goessel high school. For a year following her high school graduation Evalena worked as a nanny for one of her high school teachers and later as a dietary specialist at the old Bethel Hospital.
A cousin arranged Evalena’s blind date with Robert Androes to see “The Ten Commandments” in Wichita.
Robert was home from service in the Air Force and pursuing education and training in machinery at Pittsburg State University. During his lifetime Robert was also employed at Boeing and AGCO where he worked in the tool/machinery shop until his retirement in 1996.
Evalena and Robert were married on September 13, 1958 and for six years lived in a two-bedroom unit here in Newton where they raised three children: two sons, now living in the McPherson/Salina areas; and a daughter residing in Independence, Missouri.
In 1964 their dream of having their own farm was fulfilled and they moved to Walton where their family thrived and was nurtured by that community and where they enjoyed fifty-seven years before making the transition to reside here on the campus of Kansas Christian Home.
On October 27, 2023, Robert was commended to God’s eternal care with family present at his bedside. Today their family has expanded to include six grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.
These days you may often see Evalena taking brisk walks around our campus or at Walmart or the YMCA.
She enjoys the challenge of jigsaw puzzles, reflecting on inspirational readings, and savoring friendships and social gatherings with family and other residents.