Obituary of Guseman, Evelyn Joyce Simmons Bowsher

Evelyn Simmons Bowsher Guseman, after several years of ill health, passed away peacefully in Plano, Texas at age 92. Born May 27, 1924 in Belpre, Kansas, Evelyn Joyce was the daughter of Celora Belle Keetch Simmons and Earl Simmons and the eldest of what was to be five siblings (Harold, Mary Margaret, Barbara and Norman).  She grew up in Dodge City, Kansas, and was attending Dodge City Junior College during World War II when she met a handsome pilot from Bellefontaine, Ohio. After a whirlwind courtship, Evelyn married second lieutenant Thomas Bowsher in December of 1943.  They subsequently had four children: Joyce Rochelle, Melodie Louise, Nancy Jane and Thomas Earl. Tom and Evelyn and their children eventually settled in the Wichita area and ultimately Derby, Kansas. Evelyn worked for 20 years at Boeing Aircraft and later in civil service at McConnell Air Force Base.  Though her life was often difficult and she struggled to support her four children, Evelyn was a loving mother who believed in kindness, good manners and education. All four of her children graduated from Derby High School and three from college.  Joyce Rochelle graduated from Friends University, Melodie from Kansas State University and Nancy from North Texas State University. Tom and Evelyn divorced in 1966. She later married the love of her life, Jim Guseman. When Jim died, Evelyn moved to Texas to be near her daughter Nancy and son Tom. Evelyn was always a voracious reader and also enjoyed traveling in her retirement, taking trips to California, Washington, New York City and England. Evelyn leaves behind her three daughters, Joyce Rochelle Worthing (Allan) of Fort Collins, Colorado; Melodie Bowsher (Charlie) of San Francisco, California; and Nancy Staltman (Walter) of Plano, Texas; and six grandchildren, Melinda Worthing Cole (Nick) of London, England; Melissa Worthing Gilliland (Michael) of Cambridge, England; Mia Cingolani Morris  (Jared) of Novato, California, Luca Cingolani of San Francisco; Matthew Staltman (Nancy) of Seattle, Washington and Andrew Staltman (Hen) of Seattle. She was proud to have eight great-grandchildren, Ian Worthing (Derya); Matthew and Margaret Gilliland; Andrew and Katelyn Belle Cole; Gus and Oscar Staltman; and Hadley Morris.  She had one great-great grandchild, Taylan Worthing, born last summer in Wyoming.   Her sister Barbara Tyler and her brother Norman Simmons and many nieces and nephews also survive Evelyn.  Her beloved son, Tom Bowsher, her loving husband Jim Guseman, her ex-husband Tom Bowsher, her brother Harold Simmons and her sister Mary Margaret Trabuc preceded her in death. Please leave the family condolences and share memories on this website.