Sister Evarista Durler ASC, a professed Adorer of the Blood of Christ for 82 years, died Dec. 12, 2015, in Wichita, Kan. She was 99.
She was born Aug. 13, 1916, the first child of Engelbert and Stephanie (Habiger) Durler, and baptized Juliana Marie at St. John the Baptist Church in Spearville, Kan.
She was taught by Adorers at the parish grade school, which influenced her decision to enter their community in Wichita in December 1931.
She graduated high school from St. John’s Academy in Wichita in 1936, pronounced first vows in August 1933, and final vows five years later. She attended Sacred Heart College (now Newman University) and finished her bachelor’s degree in English in 1948 at Mount St. Scholastica College in Atchison, Kan. In 1969, she earned a master’s degree in elementary education at Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Okla.
She taught, tutored, or served as principal or paraprofessional in the classroom for 66 years in Kansas and Oklahoma, starting in the Dust Bowl days in 1938 in Marienthal, Kan., and ending in Ness City, Kan., in 2004.
She was one of the last Adorers to teach in the parish schools of the Diocese of Dodge City. She taught every grade in elementary school plus summer Bible school, music, and computers. She is listed in the Teachers’ Who’s Who in 1993.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers Joseph, John, and Robert; and her sister, Irene. She is survived by her brother, Edward; her sisters Eleanora, Esther, Rosemary, and Ruth; many nieces and nephews; cousins, including Sister Margaret Knoeber, ASC; and her ASC community.
Sister Evarista was my first grade teacher at St. Mark Elementary in St. Mark (rural Colwich), Kansas. How wonderful that she had a long life in serving the Lord. Several coincidences – my mother passed away the same day and will be buried Wednesday at St. Mark at the same time as Sister Evarista’s service – and my mother’s name is Elenora, like Sister’s sibling.
God’s blessings on Sister and her family
Thank you, Patty, for sharing your story, and our sympathy to you on the loss of your mother.
I also was in grade school with Patty Lane. Sister Evarista kept us cool on those hot days by walking through the aisles with her long habit on creating a breeze. I will always remember the long rosary she wore. She also helped us through the loss of President Kennedy. I remember her well. May she rest in peace.
That is such a sweet memory, Sherri. Thanks for sharing it with us!
I was in he same first grade class in St, Marks as Sherri Simon and Patty Lane. I have a memory of Sister Evarista, when she defended me. She was one of my favorite teachers. I had forgotten some of the things Patty and Sherri have mentioned. She was an awesome teacher and will be missed. She is now at home in Heaven
I was fortunate to have been taught by Sister for two years – 3rd and 5th grades at St. Joe Grade School, Ost during the mid-70s. My strongest memory from my time in her classroom occured during my 3rd grade year. Sister was pretty strict with us and I vividly remember her telling us in class one day, that we would thank her later for being so no-nonsense with us. She also informed us that she had many former students who had already done so. I thought she was feeding us a line about her past students and no way would I ever thank her for making school tough. I was wrong. I did thank her later for making us work hard and for being a good teacher. Teacher knew best.
Sister taught me amd my.three children..thank.God we all.had her wonderful example of Christian living so need education like that.today
Pray for us
I want to thank or dear Lord for the time I spent with her over Thanksgiving weekend 2014. It was meeting two people that I went to the convent that weekend. After losing my father, it was like having a chance to see him again through her, and learn more about my family from both Sisters. She looks so much like my dad, it was such a blessing. I had hoped to return only that isn’t poss at this time. May God continue to bless the Sisters in their journey with Him. May the souls of all the faithful rest in the eternal light of Christ. I miss you all.