Mary Kathryn Evans

Pastor Mary Kathy Evans of New Buffalo, MI, 71, transitioned to eternal life peacefully on Monday-May 3, 2021, at West Woods of Bridgman. Pastor Kathy was born March 20, 1950 as a daughter of the late Everett Truman and Vera Mae Skaggs “Truman” Murad. Pastor Kathy gave her life to the Lord at an early age. She was raised in a church in which her father pastored in West Virginia. She came from a long line of pastors and evangelists, not only her father but six uncles as well. She always had a passionate love for God and His kingdom. Everything she did in life reflected that love. She loved her family, her church and everyone she met. She was always taking in people in need and treating them like she had known them all her life. She never met anyone she didn’t try to do something for. She loved with the love of Christ, a giving love, a healing love, a love that did not judge and would never give up. She was devoted and faithful to her Savior and His kingdom, and also to everyone that came into her life. She had an annointing to preach the word. Her messages always carried an awesome depth of understanding and explanation that would leave you with your questions answered, a feeling of being in the right place and being loved. She had a flair for making you want to share the depths of your soul. She never undermined you and though her gifting made you see your faults and made you want to do better. She walked under a Prophetic mantle and was used by God in the Prophetic Ministry, Healing and Deliverance. She always emphasized the vitalness and importance of women cultivating their ministry gifts and utilizing them fro the glory of the Body of Christ. Pastor Kathy and her family were members of Christian Center Cathedral of Praise in South Bend, IN for about 1 ½ years. During this time Pastor Kathy trained under Lester Sumrall for about 2 years. Later the family moved to Harvest Time Church of God in Michigan City, IN, under Pastor Rosson. In the mid 80’s she interned in the Ministerial Internship Program in which she received her license. She was then sent as an Assistant Pastor to a Church of God in South Bend, IN. Under the leading of the Holy Spirit, Pastor Kathy and her husband Richard, left to start their own church in 1994. They started out in the Lions Club in New Carlisle, IN, where they stayed for around 2 years. Under circumstances that could not be controlled, the church moved from New Carlisle to Rolling Prairie. In 1996 the church bought a building on land contract, which was paid off within a year. Pastor Kathy, with her husband Richard – the love of her life, pastored the New Covenant Church of God in Rolling Prairie from 1996 until 2018 when her health no longer allowed her to be able to attend church. Not only was she dedicated to ministry working as a youth leader and various other positions, but she also held many positions in the secular world. She worked for the Chamber of Commerce in New Buffalo, MI. She was also a secretary for a New Buffalo Insurance Office owned and operated by her great friend Mary Lou. She used her gifting as a beautician and also created and operated a food pantry and clothes closet at her church for many years. Kathy’s life was filled with many challenges and trials. Through it all she remained steadfast as an intercessor and spiritual advisor to the leadership left in charge of the church. She had many devastating bouts with illness over the years that followed. She remained a Warrior for Christ through it all. Her faith never wavered. She loved her Savior so much and even until the end she called upon Him for everything. Pastor Kathy was diagnosed with heart problems around the age of 20, which cause her many problems. Along with these problems, God brought many healing miracles from the Lord. There were many times when doctors had given her up to die, but God raised her up and brought her back to her church stronger and more dedicated than before. Pastor Mary Kathy Evans leaves to cherish her memory and rejoice in her peace, her beloved husband of 49 years – Richard Evans; daughter Rhonda Elkins of Saint Alban, WV; sons – Russell (Sheri) Evans of Michigan City, IN, Frank Evans of Chesterton, IN, and Caleb Evans of New Buffalo, MI; brother – Everett Dubb of Saint Albans, WV; grandchildren – Merrick, Savannah, Christina, Sonny, Dane, Marissa, Courtney, Kasey, Lucy and Jack; 14 great grandchildren; and a host of cousins, in laws, aunts, church families and friends that she touched during her life, creating life long relationships. She was preceded in death by her parents – Everett Truman and Vera Mae Skaggs “Truman” Murad; step-father Mike Murad; son – Richard Evans, Jr.; a grandson – DJ Elkins; and a brother - Steve Truman. She will be greatly missed by her family and church and all those that have known her. She has received her ultimate gift. She has gone on to Heaven and looked upon the face of her Savior and we are assured that the party is going on strong and she is dancing her heart out. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on Friday – June 4, 1:00pm (CST) at the Harvest Time Church of God – 4697 W. US Hwy 20, LaPorte, IN, with Pastor Joe Shelton officiating. Friends may visit with the family one hour prior to the service from 12:00pm-1:00pm (CST) at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to the New Covenant Church of God – 302 S. Prairie St., Rolling Prairie, IN 46371. If you wish to leave the family a message of condolence, you may do so at www.sommerfeldchapel.com