Shirley Grace Evans

Shirley Grace Evans, 91 passed away peacefully at Knife River Care Center, Beulah, ND on Saturday, February 21, 2026.  Services will be held at 10:30 AM CT on February 27, 2026 at Faith Lutheran Church, Bismarck, ND with Pastor Sylvia Bull officiating. A Native American Prayer and Honor Dance-Serenity Standish (Mandan, Hidatsa, Arikara Nation) will follow the service.

She was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, the daughter of Harold Evans and Vera Nohr. Shirley grew up in Lisbon, North Dakota.

Shirley received her RN from Concordia College, Moorhead, MN. Additionally, she pursued education in Neurosurgery. She was an amazing Neurosurgeon OR nurse for 35 years at St. Alexis Medical Center, Bismarck ND. She loved the human skull and brain and put in countless hours saving so many lives.

She was a trailblazer.

She was an advocate.

She worked tirelessly through two ND legislative sessions and with Senators to make it legal for single women to adopt in the state of North Dakota.

She took a chance on an abandoned child.

She went to Bogota, Colombia for three months to pick her daughter up from the orphanage.

She had deep respect, profound admiration and love for the Native American culture.

She was animal advocate, humane rescuer, and compassionate animal welfare warrior. All of her many animals she had, both dogs and cats, were rescued.

She taught me confidence.

She taught me to never rely on anyone to get something done.

She adored me and made sure I had absolutely everything.

She taught me the Bible and all the traditional hymns.

She was my best friend and hero.

She is now in heaven, walking with strength and grace. She has earned her rest, and is with her Jesus.

Mama, your time on earth is done. Please love hold our sweet Gracie for us. I love you Mama with all my heart!

She leaves behind her Granddaughter’s, Alyssa Larson, Ainsley Larson, her daughter and her son-in-law, AlejaLaura and Dennis Larson. Her Granddaughter’s meant the world to her!

 She is preceded in death by her Granddaughter, sweet Gracie, her Mother (Vera Nohr), Father (Harold Evans), Stepfather (William Nohr), many other family members and her beloved pets (Gus-Gus, Tia, Tio, Tripod, Stetson, Bailey, and many more rescued animals.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Central Dakota Humane Society, Mandan or Furry Friends Rocking Rescue, Bismarck.

Arrangements are conducted by Barbot Funeral Home, Beulah and Hazen.

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