Evelyn Irene (Bateman) Smith, 95, of Custer, SD, passed away Sunday, February 7, 2016, at Custer Regional Senior Care in Custer.

Evelyn was the only daughter of James and Ada (Buerck) Bateman, born October 1, 1920, on their farm south of the town of Cottonwood in Jackson County, SD. She attended school in Cottonwood where she graduated in May of 1939. Evelyn went to Business College for two years in Rapid City and passed a civil service test as a junior typist. Evelyn worked in Washington, DC, for the Signal Corps and married Leonard Hill while in Washington. To this union Ronald Laverne was born. They were later divorced and Evelyn married Lyndell Smith from Phillip, SD, on June 19th, 1947. During their time living in Stockton, CA, and on a farm in Interior, SD, they had four boys. In 1965, the family settled in Custer. Evelyn worked at the State Hospital as an aid for 20 years. She retired in 1979. She was a homemaker and always active with many hobbies. Evelyn entered her homemade jellies, canning items, and embroidery at County Fairs and won many ribbons. Evelyn enjoyed her African Violets, gardening and decorating cakes.

Evelyn is survived by five sons, Ronald Hill of Whitewood, SD; Edward E. Smith of Las Vegas, NV; Darcy Smith, of Custer; Jerry Smith of Chadron, NE; Charles Smith of Custer; 14 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her husband and a great grandson.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Thursday, February 11, 2016, at Chamberlain-McColley's Funeral Home in Custer.

Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m., Friday, February 12, 2016, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Custer, with Rev. Robert Gardner officiating. Interment will follow at the Custer Cemetery.