Evelyn Kay "Evie" (Marquis) Ernst, 74, of Burlington, Kansas, passed away peacefully late Monday, February 3, 2025, at the Coffey County Hospital in Burlington.

She was born February 12, 1950, at Paola, KS, the daughter of Harley Wayne and Lois Althea (Nichols) Marquis. She grew up on the family farm, Sunny Ridge Dairy Farm, near New Lancaster, KS, and attended the New Lancaster School through the eighth grade. She graduated from La Cygne High School at La Cygne, KS in 1968. She then earned an Associate degree from Fort Scott Community College. Growing up she enjoyed being in 4-H showing cattle and riding her horses in the county fair parades. She loved animals and even had a pet raccoon. She was raised in the New Lancaster United Methodist Church and participated in many community activities.

On April 24, 1971 she and Ben Ernst were married at the New Lancaster United Methodist Church. They became the parents of three children, Martin, Justin, and Kylea. They moved to Burlington in 1977. Evie worked as a CNA/CMA, Activities Director, and Social Services Designee at the Life Care Center in Burlington for 26 years until her retirement in 2012. After retirement she worked for a number of years at the cafeteria in the Burlington schools. She and Ben later divorced in 2014.

She was preceded in death by her parents and older sister, Donna Reynolds.

She leaves her children, Martin Ernst (Stephanie), Burlington, Justin Ernst, Burlington, and Kylea Shoemaker (Garrett), Lebo; seven grandchildren, Ivy and Lillyan Gerow, Landen Ernst, Baylor Ernst, and Grayson, Kohlton, and Maggie Shoemaker; a great-grandson, Kason Totty; her brother and sister, Robert Marquis and Cindy Metcalf, both of Lynn Valley, KS; a number of nieces and nephews; many other relatives and friends.

Evie had an unparalleled sense of humor and cared deeply for others. She enjoyed watching all of her grandkids' sports and school activities. She was always up for going out to eat or shopping with friends and family. She enjoyed reading and watching western shows. She loved her dog Macie and often could be seen pushing her in a doggy stroller. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 A.M. Monday, February 10, 2025, at the New Lancaster United Methodist Church, 36665 New Lancaster Road, Paola, KS 66701. Burial will follow in New Lancaster Cemetery.

The family will meet with friends from 4:00 to 5:00 P.M. Saturday, February 8, 2025, at Jones Funeral Home in Burlington.

Memorial contributions may be made to Coffey County Cancer Support Group, and may be sent in care of Jones Funeral Home, PO Box 277, Burlington, KS 66839.