Russell K Evans

On the morning of June 8, 2025, Russell K Evans returned to He who gave him life. He lived a long and happy life, and those whom he left behind mourn this temporary separation. He was one week short of his 69th birthday.

Russell was born on June 16, 1956, to Wendell Romulus and Donna Miles Evans. The second of six, he spent his formative years in Coalville and Hoystville, Utah, graduating from North Summit High school in 1974. He then served a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the California Fresno mission from 1975-1977. Later in life, he served with his wife as Pathway and English Connect missionaries.

After his mission, Russell met his wife at Brigham Young University (BYU) and they were married in the Salt Lake Temple in Salt Lake City, Utah on June 20, 1979. He went on to graduate from BYU in 1982 with a degree in Chemistry. Russell and Donna welcomed Ryan into their home in 1982, followed by Rebekah in 1986, and Matthew in 1990. Upon graduation, he worked as a chemist for IRECO in South Jordan, Utah, until he was recruited by Aerojet and the family moved to Rancho Cordova, California. The home they purchased in 1986 is the home that saw all of the significant moments during their lifetime: baptisms, graduations, holidays, and the introduction of grandchildren. He faithfully attended and participated in those moments, and the resulting memories will never fade.

Although he faced many health issues throughout his life, Russell stayed optimistic and was well known for his cheerful disposition. He was slow to anger and quick to show his kindness to the people around him. The quintessential hard worker, he would often be found working in his garage, the yard, or anywhere someone needed help. His children recall going along on several occasions to help people move or provide all kinds of service. He was often the first one there and usually the last one to leave.

He adored his grandchildren, and always had time for them no matter how insignificant the event. He and Donna took Riley and Emma on several trips to show them places of patriotic and/or spiritual significance, including the Ground Zero monument in New York and church history sites in Nauvoo, Illinois. He loved to play with Avery and Abigail and eagerly looked forward to their visits. His family never doubted his love for them.

A lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Russell held many callings throughout his life, including branch president, counselor in a bishopric, high counselor, high priest group leader, and most recently, primary teacher. His testimony of Jesus Christ and the restored Gospel helped him and his family weather the many storms that life has to offer. He touched the lives of the ones he served, and there must have been a rather long receiving line welcoming him to his heavenly home.

Russell is survived by his wife Donna June Evans and their son Ryan (Savannah) Evans, daughter Rebekah (Nate) McGaughey and his grandchildren Riley, Emma, Abigail, and Avery. He is also survived by his mother Donna and brothers Miles (Connie) and Dean (Joy) and sisters Denise (Gib) Yardley and Linda (Bill) Wilde; his wife's siblings Jeff (Jackie) Hays, Janet Hays, and Brooke (Gary) Hoffman. He is preceded in death by his son Matthew Lee Evans, his father, Wendell Romulus Evans, his sister Merilyn (Richard) Smith, his father-in-law Robert Frank Hays, mother-in-law Mary Jane Hays, brother-in-law Mark Stephen Hays, brother-in-law Scott Andrew Hays, and sister-in-law Debra Jean (John) Davison.

Donna would like to express her appreciation for the support that has been shown to her, both from family and friends, and from the members of the Rossmoor Ward. She would also like to declare that while she mourns her husband's passing, she looks forward to the day when she will be reunited with her eternal sweetheart. Do not mourn Russell's death; through Jesus Christ that sting is taken away. Instead, look forward to the joyful reunion that awaits us after this life.

A memorial service will be held on June 21, 2025, at the chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 2400 Cordova Lane, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670 starting at 11:00 am. Russell will be interred at the Fair Oaks Cemetery. The Evans family would like to express their gratitude to Price Funeral Chapel for their service during this difficult time

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