Evelyn DeForest Lawless

Evelyn DeForest Lawless, 91, passed away Sunday, August 31, 2025 at Lexington Park Health in Rehab in Topeka, KS.

She was born December 14, 1933, in Trego Co., Kansas, the daughter of William and Katie Bauer. Evelyn grew up in Ness City and graduated from Ness City High School.

Evelyn married Harry L. DeForest on July 16, 1950. He preceded her in death on June 26, 1984. She later married James Lawless on March 18, 1994 in Topeka, KS. He preceded her in death on September 3, 1997.

She dedicated 31 years of service to Jostens until her retirement in February of 1996. During her time at Jostens, Evelyn served on the Executive Board of Union 49C Graphic Communications for 29 years.

Evelyn enjoyed reading, sewing, playing bingo and traveling. She was a faithful member at Christ Lutheran Church since 1971 and was also a member of Primetimers.

She leaves behind her children, Michael (Cheryl) DeForest or Tecumseh, Dale “Buzz” (Gayla) DeForest of Tecumseh, Dennis (Deborah) DeForest of Topeka and Debra (David) DeForest Proctor of Auburn; her beloved grandchildren, Robert (Joan) DeForest, Brian (Manui) DeForest, Kelli (Andy) Fogel, Jason (Kristy) DeForest, Amber (Matt) Black, Justin (Amanda) DeForest, Kyle (Megan) DeForest and Tanner (Mindy) DeForest; her great grandchildren, Spencer, Zachery, Eli, Abe, Apple, Henry, Molly, Ridley, Rhyley and Brionna; step great grandchildren, Shawn, Ibex and Adalea and one step great-great grandchild, Marvin Jr. She was preceded in death by her son, Donald DeForest on June 9, 2016; her parents and siblings, Walter Bauer, John Bauer, Benjamin Bauer, Lola Donecker, Rosie Ferris Lolley, Mabel Flinn and Lillian Bauer.

Her family will greet friends and relatives from 5:00pm-7:00pm on Monday, September 8, 2025 at Penwell Gabel Funeral Home, 1321 SW 10th Ave., Topeka, KS. A funeral service will be held at 11:00am on Tuesday, September 9, 2025 at Penwell Gabel Funeral Home. She will be laid to rest at Lincoln Cemetery in Lebo, KS following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, Christ Lutheran Church 3509 SW Burlingame Rd., Topeka, KS 66611 or to the Topeka Rescue Mission, Inc. PO Box 8350, Topeka, KS 66608.