April 26, 1926 - December 18, 2021
Evelyn Maxine Traut entered this world in Loveland, CO on April 26, 1926, daughter to Pete and Elizabeth (Fegler) Traut and little sister to Pauline, Della, Marie, Lena, and Leona. She left this world peacefully on December 18, 2021, at Centre Avenue Rehabilitation Center in Fort Collins, CO.
Evelyn grew up on a farm southeast of Loveland and, with her sisters, toiled at chores usually done by boys. She attended a two-room country school through grade eight and graduated from Loveland High School in 1944, receiving a Boettcher Scholarship to study nutrition at Colorado State University. During those studies, she was approached by her sister Lena, a teacher at Laporte Elementary School, telling Evelyn of the need for teachers. Evelyn took the leap and applied for a position and was hired as a first-grade teacher in Laporte. This was the life-changing decision that introduced Evelyn to the world of and a life-long commitment to education. Soon she was hired by Poudre School District and taught for 41 years in multiple elementary schools. To complete her education, she received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Colorado State College of Education in Greeley (now University of Northern Colorado) in 1950 and later earned her Master’s Degree in Reading. Throughout her teaching, one of her mottos was “Good, Better, Best—Never let them rest till your Good is Better and your Better is Best.” Because of her never-ending dedication to her students, many honors were bestowed upon her, including Teacher of the Year.
Traut Core Knowledge School opened in 1993, the namesake honoring Evelyn and her late sister Lena. Evelyn was humbled by this recognition and never took that honor for granted and remained forever devoted and active in that school. In her acceptance speech, Evelyn quoted David Fairchild by saying “Of course there have been successes along the line, but it has been the anticipation that has filled my life with pleasure.” Until the pandemic and the age of 93, Evelyn went to the school every month to read to the kindergarten and the first and second graders, often creating visual aids to make the story even more interesting. She adored the children, and the feeling was mutual. Evelyn’s generosity to the school can be seen by the beautiful life-size bronze statues greeting all who enter, as well as other items including books and musical instruments. When possible, she was front and center in the audience to enjoy the school programs, always beaming throughout the performances. Evelyn’s commitment and contributions to education didn’t stop there. Through the years many graduating high school seniors in Fort Collins received a scholarship from her to pursue a teaching career. The world of education has lost a true champion.
To know Evelyn, was to know a most interesting person. Belonging to the Mountain View Presbyterian Church in Loveland, she was a devout Christian who lived that virtue daily. She was an accomplished porcelain painter with the subject usually being pink roses. She loved “pink” everything! Likewise, she enjoyed knitting and was an avid reader. Evelyn’s greatest enjoyment was her garden. If one visited during the season, a tour of her yard and garden was always offered to admire her roses, lilies and other flowers and vegetables. If ready for picking, raspberries, cucumbers, and tomatoes would find a way home with the visitor. Not only was Evelyn generous to her friends, but she was very giving to many charities.
Evelyn remained active in numerous organizations, including the Presbyterian Women’s Circle, the Alpha Sigma Chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa Sorority (Lifetime member for over 50 years), Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, and the Retired Teacher Organization. Evelyn was a world traveler, enjoying trips throughout Europe, Australia, and other parts of the globe. She was enthusiastic to share those adventures with her groups, and she always enjoyed entertaining in her home, especially during the different holidays when it was beautifully decorated with her many collections to celebrate the seasons. For many years in her retirement, she was an Avon representative, enjoying the visits with her customers as much as (or more than) the selling.
Evelyn was predeceased by her parents, sisters, and many friends. She was blessed with and survived by wonderful friends, especially Sue Torres who lovingly cared for Evelyn to the very end.
Miss Traut was a precious gem who was loved and respected by many, and the world was better with her in it. That sweet smile and twinkle in her eyes will be missed, but now she is at peace with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and resting in the arms of her family. To honor Evelyn, keep her in your heart forever and always enjoy pink roses.
Viewing will be 2:00 to 4:00 pm Wednesday, December 29, 2021, Kibbey-Fishburn Funeral Home, 1102 North Lincoln Avenue in Loveland. Funeral services will be 10:00 am Thursday, December 30, 2021, Mountain View Presbyterian Church, 2500 North Garfield Avenue in Loveland.
