Mrs. Evelyn Carter, 84, of Spearfish, SD and formerly of Sioux Falls, SD, died on November 20, 2010, at Spearfish Regional Hospital. She was lovingly surrounded by her family at the time of her passing.

Evelyn Carter was born in Sioux Falls, SD on October 22, 1926 to Bill and Mary (Eleeson) Waring. She was the older of two daughters. She attended Washington High School. Evelyn worked several jobs in her life time including work at the phone company, as a store clerk, a waitress and in the medical supply area of McKennan Hospital.

Evelyn enjoyed oil painting, reading, needlework and church activities. She was a member of First Christian Church in Sioux Falls, where she taught vacation bible school, was a member of the ladies circle and sang in the choir for many years. Evelyn was a pet person; she always had at least one dog or cat "kid" in her home. She was the "Mom" of the block and her children's friends were always welcome in her home.

In 1964 Evelyn married the love of her life, Ray Carter. They shared a great life together filled with love and respect. They enjoyed traveling and were able to take many great trips as a part of Rays work. After Ray retired in 1986, they traveled to several southern destinations as snowbirds, visiting family and friends along the way. In 1999 they settled full time in Spearfish, SD to be near to their family there.

For the last 18 months of her life, Evelyn resided at the Dorsett Senior Care facility in Spearfish, SD and specifically, the Special Care Unit. The outstanding care provided to her by the loving and skilled staff filled the last months of her life with fun activities and good friends. She would often refer to the staff as her "other" kids. Her family doesn't have the words to adequately thank them for taking such good care of their mom. You are a blessing to us!

Grateful for having shared her life are: her sons; Mike Laughlin and his wife, Laura, Cody, WY; Bub Laughlin and his wife, Jill, Aurora, CO; Steve Laughlin and his wife Lori, Spearfish, SD; Kevin Laughlin Sioux Falls, SD and her daughter, Beth Nielsen and her husband Scott, of Spearfish, SD; Her grandchildren, Kristi, Anna, Adam and his wife Novell, Jon, Colin and his wife Nicole, Kyle, Nicholas, Elaina and Evan and her three great-grandchildren, Emily, Kyler and Alyza; her sister, Connie Lee and her husband Charles, Paradise Valley, AZ; and several nieces and nephews-in-law and their families; her step-son, John Carter, Spearfish, SD and step-daughter, Linda Booth and her husband Vern of Walnut, IA. Evelyn was preceded in death by her husband Ray Carter in 2004 and her son Tim in 1991.

Evelyn requested that in lieu of flowers memorials be directed to Western Hills Humane Society, 324 Industrial Drive, Spearfish, SD 57783, or the Special Care Unit, Dorsett Senior Care, 1020 10th Street, Spearfish, SD 57783. Condolences may be sent to Beth Nielsen, 4 Swan Lane, Spearfish, SD 57783.

Visitation will be from 6-8 P.M. on Friday, November 26, 2010 at Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapel in Spearfish. Services will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday November 27, 2010 at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Spearfish with Pastor Karen Matuska officiating.