Evelyn Bernice Bolan passed peacefully on October 2, 2015 at the age of 96. She loved her late husband Bud, her children and grandchildren, horses, dogs, catfish and oatmeal. Bernice knew no strangers and will be remembered for her beautiful smile. She was a modest woman, but those close to her recognized her many talents as an artist, square dancer, seamstress and cake decorator. She also made the very best fried chicken in the world!
Bernice was born June 3, 1919 in St. Marys, KS to Charley and Pearl Clark. She grew up in Rock Creek, KS where she graduated high school in 1937. Bernice married Melvin Earl Edwards in 1938 and later divorced. She had two children from her first marriage: Earl Dean Edwards and Sonna Kay Edwards.
Bernice lived in Topeka, KS many years, where she worked as a supervisor for Hallmark Cards. In 1956 she met and married the love of her life Verl Lester "Bud" Bolan. She and Bud moved to Lyndon, KS in 1961 where they owned and operated Bolan Service Station and raised two children: Jimmie Ray Bolan and Robert Eugene Bolan. Bernice loved working with kids and volunteered her time teaching Sunday school and working with Cub Scouts. Bernice and Bud were members of Lyndon United Methodist Church and belonged to the Sunflower Steppers Square Dance club. Following a stroke in 2008 Bernice moved to Lincoln, NE to be near her daughter and son-in-law.
Bernice will be dearly missed by her daughter Sonna (Gary) Egbert of Lincoln, NE, sons Jim Bolan of Topeka, KS and Bob (Kathy) Bolan of Angwin, CA, 7 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren, sisters Lois Trebbe, Lorena Harrison and Freda Roberson, brother Norman Clark and all who knew her.
Bernice was preceded in death by her husband Verl "Bud" Bolan, son Earl Dean Edwards, brother Raymond Clark and grandson Thomas Edwards. Memorial services for Bernice will be at 11:00am on Saturday, October 24, at the Lyndon United Methodist Church. Bernice was buried in the Lyndon Cemetery next to Bud. In lieu of memorial contributions please honor Bernice by sharing a smile with a stranger. Feltner Funeral Home is assisting the family