1947-2025
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Evelyn Josephine Fertig, 78, of McPherson, Kansas, on December 9, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
Evelyn was born on October 29, 1947, in Colby, Kansas, to parents Walter and Katherine (Schmid) Conant. One of seven children, she grew up in Atwood, Kansas. She married Dan Sanneman, and to this union was born one son, Shawn Sanneman of Atwood, Kansas. Later in life, Evelyn married Jeff Fertig on April 28, 1990, and together they built a beautiful life filled with laughter, travel, and family. Through this marriage, she gained another son, Daniel Fertig of McPherson, Kansas.
Evelyn graduated from nursing school in 1965 and devoted more than 50 years to her profession, caring for countless patients with extraordinary compassion and grace. She earned numerous accreditations and took special pride in being the first Director of Nursing to pass a state inspection with no deficiencies. Throughout her career, she served at Atwood Hospital Atwood KS, St. Joseph Memorial Hospital Larned KS, and Medicalodge of Kinsley KS.
In retirement, Evelyn cherished traveling, fishing, collecting beautiful porcelain dolls, and trying her luck at the casino slot machines—where, let it be known, she had an uncanny gift for picking the winning ones.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter, and Katherine Conant; brothers Jared (Jerry) Conant and Joseph (Joker) Conant; and sisters Elizabeth (Betty) Conant Heimer and Berneice (Beaky) Conant Greenwood.
Evelyn is survived by her loving husband, Jeff Fertig of McPherson; sons Daniel Fertig of McPherson and Shawn Sanneman of Atwood; brother Charles (Charlie) Conant of Minnesota; sister Marie Conant Sarchet of Washington; several grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends, all of whom she loved deeply.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Pawnee Valley Community Hospital in care of Beckwith Mortuary, PO Box 477, Larned, Kansas 67550. Personal condolences may be left at www.beckwithmortuary.com.
A celebration of Evelyn’s life will be held in January, after the holidays, as she would have wanted everyone to enjoy precious time with their families during this season.
Evelyn’s warmth, kindness, and joyful spirit will be forever missed and forever remembered.
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