Evelyn Ruth Malmborg-Criss-Merrill, beloved sister, wife, mother, and grandmother, was born on December 31, 1933, in Tilden, Nebraska, to Gus and Leona Malmborg. She passed away peacefully at home on January 10, 2025.
Most of her young childhood was spent in Lusk, Wyoming. Evelyn shared many memories of her summers in Idaho working and spending time with her grandparents and aunts and uncles – building relationships that were lifelong.
She married Earl Graydon (Grady) Criss on April 11, 1953. In 1966, they moved to Chadron, Nebraska, and raised their two boys, Brett and Brian. In 1982, Grady passed away, leaving Evelyn a single mother. She worked hard to provide for her family. Several years later, she met Ken Merrill in Chadron at a dance. Ken and Evelyn were married on May 26, 1990, and lived in Rapid City and Black Hawk, South Dakota. Evelyn was a welcome and loving member of Ken’s extended family. Evelyn found many ways to be involved in her community. She was active in PEO and The Red Hat Society, played bridge regularly, worked for her son cleaning the dental office, and volunteered at the Rapid City Regional Hospital. Evelyn found joy in being with family and friends, traveling, and dedicated herself to her grandchildren, offering her unwavering support for their milestones and activities.
Evelyn had a generous and hospitable nature. She always had a beautiful smile on her face. Ken and Evelyn enjoyed many years dancing together. No matter the occasion she was always put together. Her granddaughters especially loved to watch her “put on her face!”
Evelyn was preceded in death by her brother, Kenneth, sister Marian, first husband, Grady, and her mother, Leona. She is survived by her husband, Ken of 34 years, her sister, Shirley Wasson of Lusk, WY, her son, Brett (Jeannie) Criss of Lincoln, NE, his son Ben (Alyssa) Criss of Chadron, NE, her son Brian (Teri) Criss of Rapid City and their children Lydia (fiancé Tyler Wilson) Criss, Grady (Sierra) Criss of Pullman, WA, Abby (Andrew) Rolley of Minnetonka, MN, and many friends, family, and loved ones.
A celebration of life service will be held on January 25, 2025, at 10:30 AM at Hills View Church in Piedmont, SD.
