Evelyn Elizabeth McIntire, Age 96, died September 13, 2014 in Richmond, Texas.

She was born on a well-kept farm near Osawatomie, Kansas, on January 5, 1918. A close family with many loving aunts and uncles helped form her social skills and interest in others.

Elizabeth graduated from high school in Osawatomie, KS with the Class of 1935, and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Kansas University in 1938. Following graduation, she taught in a small one-room school house, where some of the high-school boys were bigger than she. That career ended with her marriage in 1941 to Ray McIntire, and a move to Midland, Michigan. They had met at KU where Ray earned his BS in Chemical Engineering.

In Midland she was active in Memorial Presbyterian Church, receiving an award from the Presbyterian Women's Association. She also served in several social and philanthropic organizations including P. E. O. Sisterhood, 20th Century and Liberal Arts Clubs. Music and gardening were important aspects of her life. She always shared cuttings from her garden along with her knowledge on making things thrive. She was involved with the Midland Music Foundation, singing and acting in operettas.

A move to Newport News, Virginia in 1957 brought her social interaction skills to a new group of people who became close friends. Returning to Michigan in 1964, she plunged back into church, various club activities and even larger flower gardening projects.

In 1973 she and Ray built a cottage on Lake Huron in Presque Isle, Michigan, as an "investment". It has served as an oasis, as well as a center for friends and family activities. It is a beloved place for all her family.

During retirement winter vacations to Florida, she and Ray enjoyed golf with other couples and initiated Bible study groups. After his death in 1996, she remained alone in their home in Michigan for many years before moving to Texas to be close to her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Hugh Clay Whiteford and Lela Jane Whiteford, her sister, Margaret McConchie and her husband, O. Ray McIntire.

She is survived by daughter, Marilyn Abbott and husband Robert, and by son William McIntire and wife Ann. She is also survived by three grandsons: Rob Abbott and wife Carolyn, Rick Abbott and Scott McIntire and wife Sherry, a granddaughter, Heather Velez and husband Mike, and four great-granddaughters: Kaitlyn and Nicole Velez, Siena Abbott and Grace McIntire.

The family wants to express their appreciation for the loving and skillful care of Donna Williams and Hyacinth Lewis at A Nurse's Place. Their care in a Christian family setting eased Mother's rapid transition from total independence to nearly total dependence, and provided her with comfort and encouragement.

Funeral Services were held at 11 AM on Monday, September 22, 2014, Kingwood Funeral Home, 22800 Highway 59 North, Kingwood, TX.