Evelyn Doney

Hays, MT

Evelyn Doney. 57, of Hays, slipped quietly into the arms of Jesus on March 19, 2016 at Billings Clinic. Evelyn was born on September 17, 1958 to “Happy” and Esther Doney. She attended schools in Hays at the Public School and the Mission. She also attended school at Ft. Belknap College and was part of the class who attended college at the urban rural in Hays. She had one semester left at Northern, working on her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a minor in Business. Everyone who was ever her classmate knew how smart she was. She kept perfect records all her life and was always very knowledgeable about her and an intelligent woman.

She married Darryl Kirkaldie and they later divorced, but remained friends throughout their lives until his passing. Evelyn had two sons, Sheldon Doney and Darryl Kirkaldie Jr. She was a single mother and did a great job in raising her children. They were provided for and instructed by her to excel in school and in their adult lives.

In her younger years, Evelyn learned how to play the guitar and was a very good singer. She was a lefty, but she taught herself how to play right handed, because all the other players in the house played right handed. She had a soft and very beautiful voice.

Evelyn learned how to bake at a very early age. Her bread was out of this world and everything she put her hand to regarding cooking was superb, to say the least. And she was always so humble and never bragged about her cooking.

She was also a firefighter. She went on two week fires and was a hiker who always kept up with the guys. After her firefighting days were over she still loved to walk. Up until late summer 2015 she still went for a walk down the road and back. She liked to pray, sort her thoughts and enjoy the outdoors.

Evelyn raised two grandsons, Codie and Jess Kirkaldie from the time they were preschoolers. She was an awesome single grandmother. She spent every day with them on their homework, attending all their school conferences and activities. She was very dedicated to their education, spending countless hours convincing them of the importance of their education. Her whole world revolved around them. Because Codie was an outstanding Thunderbird athlete, Evelyn attended most of his football, basketball and track events. She was a very devoted T-Bird fan and was a familiar fact at local and away sporting events.

Evelyn was a soft-spoken, humble and timid lady. But like every other mother/grandmother, she could turn into a mama bear if you hurt her young ones. Most people knew both sides of her and needless to say, were very kids to her family. She had many friends and a few close ones that she bonded with. She lived a simple life and appreciated small amounts of anything people gave to her, as if it was a million dollars. She was solid as a rock, never wavering in maintaining her household and family. She was a very hard worker, always cleaning, cooking and keeping busy with her family.

Survivors include her son Sheldon and grandsons Codie and Jess, as well as her two sisters Karlene Cochran and Catherine Doney, and two brothers, Basil Doney and Ervin Doney. Five grandsons also survive. She was preceded in death by her son Darryl Jr.

Edwards Funeral Home of Chinook is handling arrangements. Evelyn’s wake will be March 22 at Mission Rec in Hays at 7:00 P. M.. Funeral services are March 23, 2016 at St. Paul Mission Rec Center at 11 A.M.

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