Obituary of Muriel S. Evans

Muriel “Billye” (Shuster) Evans, 89, formerly of Hurry Hill Road, Putnam, passed away on November 23rd at the Westview Health Care Center, Dayville, with her family at her side. She was born in New Haven, Connecticut on July 14, 1916 daughter of the late Elmore and Charlotte (Horsfall) Shuster. She was the wife of the late Stanley R. Evans to whom she was married on January 30, 1943. He predeceased her on December 18, 1962. Mrs. Evans was a 1934 graduate of Mrs. Day’s School in New Haven and a 1936 graduate of Marot Junior College in Thompson, Connecticut. From 1936 to 1942 she worked as a Secretary at the College. In February of 1946, she and her husband purchased the Windham County Observer newspaper, and in April of 1962 they purchased the Putnam Patriot which merged with the Observer to become the Observer-Patriot. She was the Owner and Publisher until retiring in November of 1977. Mrs. Evans was a longtime member of the Putnam United Methodist Church and was active for many years in the United Methodist Women, Semper Paratus, and Kum-Two-Its Club church groups. She was also a member of the Putnam Woman’s Club. She enjoyed figure skating, dancing, feeding and watching the birds in her yard, nature and loved all animals. Mrs. Evans also had great fun going to Red Sox games and two very special trips to Bermuda with her family. Mrs. Evans was a loving and caring mother, and will be greatly missed. She was adored and deeply loved by her family. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Wendy and William E. Jones of Putnam. A special thank you is extended to the staff, nurses, aides, and Dr. Dickinson for the excellent care and concern shown her while at Westview for the past two and one-half years. Also, thanks to Michelle Daniels for your loving care, devotion and assistance since 1997. At her family’s request, funeral services and burial will be private. There are no calling hours. Donations may be made in her name and memory and sent to the Memorial Fund of the Putnam United Methodist Church, 53 Grove Street, Putnam, CT 06260. The Smith and Walker Funeral Home, Putnam, is in charge of the arrangements. To share a memory with the family, “Light a Candle” at www.smithandwalkerfh.com