Mary Jane Salisbury Evans, 88, of Sharon, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on April 25, 2025. She lived a life full of family, community, hard work, and the simple joys that mattered most.

Mary Jane was born on July 16, 1936, in Lenora, Oklahoma, to Vernon and Bethel Jones Salisbury. She grew up in the Camargo area, attending school in Camargo and then in Sharon, graduating from Sharon High School in 1954.

On January 26, 1957, Mary Jane married the love of her life, Frankie Evans. Together, they made a family with four children: Debra, Gary, Cathy, and Douglas.

They lived in Dallas briefly, returning to Sharon where they spent the rest of their lives before selling the family farm in 2023 and moving to Woodward, where they resided at Providence Place. No matter where she lived, her home was always filled with warmth, laughter, and the smell of something wonderful cooking in the kitchen.

She had a strong work ethic, shaped by her early days working on the dairy farm and later the Sharon Grocery Store. She found her true calling at Sharon-Mutual Elementary School, where she served as head cook and enjoyed all the students who passed through the lunchroom.

A talented quilter and a proud member of Turner's Quilting Club, Mary also loved reading, playing cards with friends, and taking trips to Branson. Her greatest joy though, was spending time with her grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren who brought her endless pride and happiness.

Mary Jane was a devoted supporter of the Sharon-Mutual Trojans and was honored with the J.E. Adams Award as their number one fan – a recognition she cherished deeply. Her faith was also an important part of her life, and she remained affiliated with the Methodist Church in Sharon.

She will be remembered for her strong and loving heart, her unwavering dedication to her family and community, and the countless quilts, meals, and memories she gifted to those around her.

Mary Jane is survived by her husband Frankie Evans, children, Debra (Dennis) Ruttman, Gary (Linda) Evans, Cathy (Paul) Zellmer, daughter-in-law Donna Evans, thirteen grandchildren, thirty great-grandchildren, and eight great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Vern and Bethel Salisbury, son Douglas Evans, and brother Wayne Salisbury.

A very special thank you to Providence Place, Vici Nursing Home staffs, and beloved caregiver, Belinda Ward.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to the:

Sharon Methodist Church or Woodward Senior Center

c/o Shaw Funeral Home

P.O. Box 276

Vici, OK 73859.