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Evangeline Ruth Bolton
07/28/1913 — 07/07/2010
From Pasco, WA, US | Born in Morehouse, MO
Evangeline Ruth Bolton
Evangeline R. Bolton, mother of Vangie Rudeen Ellwein and Bob and Jim Bolton, released life on earth in exchange for eternal living with Jesus, Wednesday, July 7, 2010. Evangeline had a strong will to live as she was soon approaching her 97th birthday.
She was born in Morehouse, Missouri to Orbie O. and Bertha Mae Cain. She lived her teen years in Detroit, Michigan, where she surrendered her heart and life to God for His service.
While attending Olivet Nazarene University in Kankakee, Illinois, she met and later married, Dwight J. Bolton, on January 26, 1935. Evangeline faithfully served as a minister's wife at her pastor-husband's side until his death in Houston, Texas in May of 1967. Their pastoral ministry began in West Des Moines, Iowa and later led them to Carthage, Pasadena, and Fort Worth, Texas; then to Cheyenne, Wyoming; and concluded with the untimely death of her husband, Dwight, back in Houston, Texas. Following the passing of his death, Evangeline served across 6 years as Dean of Women at the University of Houston Houston, TX, Trevecca Nazarene University Nashville, TN, and Mid America Nazarene University Overland Park, KS.
She married Harold R. Biddinger, a retired wheat rancher from Pratt, Kansas, in February 1974. Harold and Evangeline built a beautiful home at the foot of Pikes Peak in Colorado Springs and there resided until 1994. She moved to Richland, Washington, to live with her daughter, Vangie, and remained in her daughter's direct care for the past 16 years in Connell, Washington.
Special Angels of Mercy who provided much nurture, safe shelter, and loving care to Evangeline in her final months and days included: Laura Rudeen Pasco, Mark Ellwein Connell, Roger and Linda Bailie Connell, Dorothy Woodward Gig Harbor, WA, Olga Garza Othello, Emma Garcia Connell, Valerie Johnson and Angela Johnson From the Heart, Pasco, Rosie, Marlene, Teresa, Lenora, Robin From the Heart, Pasco and the Tri Cities Chaplaincy Hospice Team. Pastor Mark Bertermann Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Kennewick brought gentle comfort and hope in his visits to her home, in the serving of communion, and in his praying with her in her final days.
Daughter Vangie and Granddaughter Laura were faithfully standing right by her side at all times, clear to the end, holding her hand, singing "Under His Wings," and encouraging her as she stepped over into the arms of Jesus. On the last page of Evangeline's Bible, she had written this personal prayer: "May God help me to be guided by the words of this Bible daily! I have a goal--HEAVEN. May I have strength, faith, and courage to keep ROWING toward the shore!!" After her daughter read aloud this personal prayer to her mother, Evangeline gently took her final breath. The struggle was over at 10:38 pm and she was then safely transitioned into the strong arms of the best Care Provider ever, Jesus, her personal Saviour, forever and ever.
Evangeline is survived by her son, Robert L. Bolton Oklahoma City, OK; her daughter, Vangie Rudeen Ellwein Connell, WA; her daughters-in-law, Thelma Bolton Oklahoma City, OK and Gale Bolton Houston, TX; her son-in-law, Mark Ellwein Connell, WA; father of her grandchildren, Mark Rudeen Richland, WA; 6 grandchildren: Laura Rudeen Pasco, WA, Lee Rudeen Kansas City, MO, J. Kent Rudeen Olympia, WA; Becky Thompson Mustang, OK, Bobby Bolton Oklahoma City, OK, JD Bolton Oklahoma City, OK; Gary Bolton Pasadena, TX, Jimmy D. Bolton Austin, TX, and Tanya Cook Houston, TX; 17 great grandchildren: Justin, Kyle, Taylor, Micah, Chris, Amy, Jimmy, Amber, Todd, Travis, Amy Molly, Matt, Chad, Bonnie, Jordan, Katelyn; and 14 adorable little great great grandchildren, whose birth all delighted her heart.
Evangeline was preceded in death by her parents, Orbie O. and Bertha Mae Cain; her brothers, Casper and Sylvan Cain; her beloved husband, Rev. Dwight J. Bolton; and her precious son, Jim Bolton. All were waiting to receive her as she courageously rowed to the Shore.
Evangeline Bolton was a grand lady, a woman of class, dignity and refinement who loved and served God with her whole being. She touched our lives and made a difference.
She was a great friend to me at trevecca.
Tanya, I was honored by your visit. I know that Mother was so happy that you came and that you had tea with her tea cups! Every moment you were here was so very special, treasured memories forever. You are my brother’s little girl, the one that grew into such an awsome woman. All that we did together while you were here was especially for him, because I know how happy that would have made his heart. He was so pleased when anyone did anything for one of his kids or his wife Gale. He appreciated that more than when someone did something for him. He was so proud of his family, rightfully. He was definitely a family man and instilled the love for family in all of you. The love, care, and thoughtfulness that Gale so consistently poured out to Mother after Jim’s death was something so amazingly wonderful. Thank you for plannning this trip to Washington, for letting Mother know you were coming, and for still coming even though she changed her residence before you arrived.
Dear Vangi,
Just a little note to let you know you are in my prayers. Although your Mom is with the Lord, it is hard to let go. You are a loving and good woman who took wonderful care of your dear Mother.
God bless you.
Grandmother, I miss you. But I am so happy you are with Uncle Jim and Grandfather. I never met Grandfather, but one simple glance at your children and grandchildren lets me know he is a special man. I look forward to meeting him, won’t fill that one special hole until I do.
Growing up on the mission field you always made sure we felt special, made sure we knew we were loved, made sure we knew we were a part of a special family back home, even if we rarely saw them. Thank you for loving us so dearly, Grandmother. Thank you for being the fountain of all things beautiful in our family.
I love you, Grandmother. – Lee
“The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.” Ps. 46
Evangeline, while in heaven look at everything twice–once for you, and once for me. Thank you for giving me the greatest gift of my life–your daughter, Vangi. Mark
Im so thankful that Grandmother Bolton did not suffer in her last moments here on earth. In fact, I know without a doubt that being able to hear some comforting words from her beloved grandson Gary helped uplift her into the arms of Jesus. She was so loved by her family and blessed to be cared for by her loving daughter Vangie. The comfort of knowing Vangie and Laurie were at her side in her final moments was also a great blessing. She told me the last time I visited with her she was going to dance on her 100th birthday. Though she did not live long enough to celebrate her 100th birthday I know she is a beautiful angel dancing and celebrating with her beloved Dwight and Jim at this very moment. I will miss her dearly and look forward to reuniting with her in heaven. All my love, Susan
We will miss you, Evangeline. You have been a wonderful friend these past years. I especially enjoyed our visits in your little apartment and the good laughs we had together.
We are thankful you are with your beloved husband and son. Jesus was always with you while you were here on earth and now you get to be with Him forever in heaven. What a wonderful blessing. And you were a blessing to us.
We love you, Linda and Roger
Praise the Lord, you’re in your heavenly home with your Lord and Savior, your loving husband Dwight and your son Jim The Love of My Life I know they were both right there beside Jesus as you entered into Heaven. What a reunion that must have been.
You were not only my Mother-in-Law, but you were one of my best friends. I loved the times that we were able to spend together and all our chats on the phone. You never failed to tell me how much you loved me and I loved you dearly. The love of Jesus was always shown in you. You were an example of how we need to live our lives loving others and most of all loving God.
I will miss you so much, but I also look forward to seeing you again soon.
Thank you for telling Jim how much I love him and miss him. You told me you would do that when you got to Heaven and I know you’ve already told him that.
I Love You,
Gale Bolton Daughter-in-law
I am so sorry that Mamaw has passed away. I know she will be missed by everyone. I bet Papaw Bolton and my Dad are comforting her and continuing to show her love in Heaven as Vangie, Laurie, and all the other wonderfull people have been doing for some time. I Love You MaMaw, and will see you again in Heaven…
Mother, it was my deep honor and privilege to be your primary care provider with such quality moments together in these past months. I am grateful to God I was right by your side, holding your hand, and talking you through your final moments, right up to Heaven’s Gates. You rowed hard to the Shore with strength, FAITH, and courage. You are now with your beloved Dwight and wonderful son, Jim. You are now totally safe, have 24-7 care forever and ever, and your little body stands straight and whole again. You will never again be afraid to be in a room by yourself. You are surrounded by Daddy, Jim, Barbara, Mrs. Oke, all who love you so much. No doubt Daddy had a wonderful parsonage, freshly painted and wall papered with roses planted in the yard, all ready for your arrival. I know Jim is rejoicing as you tell him how faithful Gale’s love has been and that all three of his children love and serve the Lord. Now you know, Mother, that Heaven is real!
I am sorry to hear of your loss. I knew Evangeline while I attended Richland Nazarine Church. She was a wonderful person. I know that she is happy now to be with her Savior and King. She will look down on you and take care of you.
While my heart grieves by the loss of my beautiful grandmother I also celebrate her life, for she taught me so much about grace, kindness, love, and faith. Her and I shared special tea parties when I was a little girl and through her example she instilled strong character and class. Even though we lived miles away I always felt close and knew how much she loved me and I loved her. For these reasons she will live on in my life, my memories, and in my heart!
Today, I know that she is still chatting with my Dad my Dad is a talker!, catching up, and at my request she has already given my Dad a big hug from me and told him how very much I miss and love him. How wonderful it must be for her to be with my Grandfather and my Dad, and most importantly, our Heavenly Father!
Rest in peace my dear grandmother! I love you dearly!
Your granddaughter ~ Tanya
Mother,
You have now been in heaven 5 days. I think about you almost every minute. It seems I should be calling you or getting in my car and going over to take you for a ride to smell the roses or get your nails done. You were such an important part of my life and now it is hard to release my sense of responsibility that you are OK. But you ARE completely OK…you are with Jesus, Daddy, and Jim. You are in HEAVEN! I’ve been looking through all your Bibles, reading the well marked pages, and the inspirational notes and poems you placed inside them. What a blessing this is for me!
Mother, Tanya is coming on Friday, just as she promised you. I just want you to know that we will have that tea party just as you promised, using your tea cups. I’ll serve tea as you would have, and in the same room where you went to heaven. I love you, Mother.
When I remember Evangeline – I will remember this classy, feisty lady with a twinkle in her eye. She exuded grace! I loved her stories. I hope she is not only basking in the presence of her savior – but she is dancing again! :
I love you, my beautiful Grandmother.
Our blessings & condolences to you Vangie & family. The times I talked to your Mother at Bethlehem were always a delight. I wish there had been more of them. What comfort knowing she & you knew exactly where she was going when her earthly life was finished. Her obituary was a joy to read.
Our love,
Sally & Randy Mills
Mother, one week ago today, at exactly this time, you arrived! It seems an eternity ago for me, but for you it is just the beginning. This is my third letter to you…I just can’t break the habit of stopping by and checking in on you. My heart wants to be sure you are happy…but of course you are. You are with Jesus! I imagine you want to know if I am OK and Bob, too. We are, Mother, mostly because we know you are so totally safe and well cared for there in your eternal home. What wonderful peace you must be experiencing.
Mother, through you I have seen Jesus and through your passing, I saw a glimpse of Heaven! I peeked in just as you entered the Gates…
My love always,
My beautiful Grandmother, Mam Maw. I will miss you so much. I know you are now in such a wonder place. You lived your life on earth as an example to us all. You were always living proof of our loving God. I have so many memories of the times we spent together. You taught me about Jesus and I know you are with Him now. No more sickness just love. I know we can’t begin to know the beauty of Heaven until we get there but I’m sure you added another ray of sunshine when you arrived. Worshiping with our Lord and Savior and dancing with my Pap Paw and my Father. I will see you again when God calls my name and look forward to you greeting me at Heavens pearly gates. Thank you so much, I am truly blessed to be your grandson. I love you, Gary.
Vangie & Mark,
Your mother will be remembered fondly in the community of Connell.Your family has been a witness to us all of how to love, support and care for our aging loved ones.In life and death we belong to the Lord, with heartfelt sympathy and prayers.
Greg & Julie Hart
Grandma, I wasn’t able to spend much time with you over the past few years, but I always felt your love & prayers. Even when I was serving in Iraq, I knew you were praying for my safety. I can only hope & pray that I can live up to you & Grandpa’s shining Christian example.
I do have one memory that I’d like to share. When I was just a small boy, I came to visit Grandma. I really don’t remember where she lived at the time, but I do remember asking her for something to drink. Her choices did not exactly appeal to a small boy; the choices were water, hot tea or Tab. Of course, at my age, water & hot tea were completely out of the question so I opted for the Tab. To me it was just another soda. After tasting it, I realized how wrong I was. To this day, I can’t think of Tab without feeling a bit nauseous.
Grandma is now celebrating her joyful reunion with Grandpa & Uncle Jimmy & how exciting that must be. I just pray that she doesn’t make Grandpa & Uncle Jimmy drink Tab.
Soft voice, loving touch, prestine, flannel board Bible stories, tiny coffee cups – that was Grandma Bolton. Always willing to sit and listen to what we had to say no matter the subject. Grandma always had the right answer to any of our concerns. We watched as she faithfully and proudly stood by Grandpa Bolton during his pastoral duties. I know you are now standing by Grandpa as he is probably doing some preaching in Heaven, and once he finishes, Sunday School will begin with one of your infamous flannel board stories. Grandma, I loved those stories! Then, you will have that cup of coffee and sit down with Uncle Jim and your loved ones and friends.
I am looking to the day I can once again sit in your Sunday School classroom to watch and listen to your Bible stories.
I love you, Grandma. Let Grandpa know I’ve missed him.
When I think of Grandmother, these are some of the words that come to mind: ladylike, elegant, genteel and stylish. She exuded a calm presence over her extended family and was generous with her love. I remember visiting her in Colorado Springs when my daughter Bonnie was just one year old 26 yrs ago. Grandmother insisted on buying an Easter dress for Bonnie, and let me tell you, nothing but the best would do! I think that dress meant a lot to Grandmother as well, because years and years later, Bonnie’s name would be the first on her lips whenever I saw her. Rest easy Grandmother, all is well.
Dear Vangi and Mark,
We remember your mother with loving thoughts as her struggle with life on this earth ends and she begins anew with God in Heaven. She was a wonderful lady and we know how very proud you were of her and all she accomplished over the years.
My dad was very sad over the news of her death. You both and your family will remain in our thoughts and our prayers.
You’ve done well providing her with all the love and care these past years. May God bless you and give you PEACE and the wonderful memories of the times together maintain you both.
I remember having lunch with your mother on her 96th birthday.
Prayers for you have been offered from my household.
Your mother will be with you every day of your life, Vangi. You have the gift of knowing you were the very best daughter any mother could want. Wishing you tears of both sorrow, but joy also.
Love, Jeanne
To Vangi, Mark, and family,
May God be with you and cradle you during this time. Your Mother was a wonderful lady and you have many great memories. She is at peace free of worries and pain. Our God is a great God.
You are held up in prayers. Hold on to your memories.
Love you.
Mother, you were every ounce a lady who brought us an example of the highest ethics and standards. You graced your home and church with princess like character. Everything around you was made more beautiful. You would take the average situation and make it into an outstanding experience. You loved your family and refused to think anything negative about your children, even when we didn’t deserve that. When times were hard you made with what we had and it was always special. One Thanksgiving we only had meatloaf which you stuffed with bread dressing! Delicious! Thank you for encouraging me to play the piano and making church my very life. A few weeks ago you and I reflected on the lives of all the children, grand children, great grand children and great great grand children. How wonderful you and daddy can now see the results of your lives. Tell Jim and Daddy we’ll soon be joining you. We are all heaven bound! Love you.
Sitting here and reflecting back on my childhood memories, I am continually drawn to all those special times I had with both you and grandpa. It seemed you were inseparable and every memory I have involves both. Catching my first fish, thinking I had reeled in the “big one” only to discover a small perch at the end of the line. Learning to shoot a gun and later winning a shooting competition at Boys & Girls camp in Wyoming. Of course you reminded grandpa these were not things a young lady should be learning, but you proudly supported me anyway. Most of all, I remember your Bible storytelling with the use of the felt figures. I could hardly wait to hear the next story.
Although your passing brings tears, there is also joy. You have passed on a wonderful legacy. One which gives each member of your family the hope of eternal life. Today, I share in your happiness, knowing your journey has ended in Heaven. I love you.
Mother, this is my last letter to you and the tears are flowing. Just one more time I want to tell you thank you for loving me so unconditionally, for believing in my potential, and for understanding my life’s failings. It is your love that I will miss so much. Across the years, you were always there for me and for my family. You gave of yourself to every member of the family, over and over. I am so thankful that God gave me all these recent years to give myself to you. It was my privilege to walk beside you as you grew old with dignity. Standing beside you as you left this world, holding your hand,I witnessed your strength and character as you looked up, saw the face of Jesus, and then rowed on to His loving arms. Goodnight, Mother. Rest well. I love you so much.
My precious Grandmother, what memories you have given me: pink strawberry cakes, Madame Alexander dolls, pudding from your pantry, playing outside in your nightgowns, trips in the yellow car, Pikes Peak, Estes Park, holidays at your house, money taped together, angel kisses, the Broadmoor, wearing your evening gowns, you scratching my back, always having gum in your purse, watching “All in the Family” and “Family Feud” and “The Lawrence Welk Show”, the yellow bedroom, your letter box with all of my letters saved inside, the smell of your home, and more. I will always remember these treasures. You know, when I went back to your room after you went to Heaven, the room seemed so small. But when I was in that room with you and mom as you were in your last hours, the room seemed huge, like it was my whole world. I will miss you so much. I’m sorry if I didn’t kiss you enough this last month. I send you a kiss right now, an eternal angel kiss. Thank you for being a huge part of my world.
Grandmother, you sure were a beautiful and loving mother. You did your best to take care of me and show me your love. As a child during furloughs in Colorado Springs and even as an adult. From making sure I was taking my vitamins Flinstone’s Chewy Vitamins for the win! to your constant reminder to stay close to Jesus.
I loved it and took pride when you called me “Your Little Angel.” Made me feel special. I will miss that and can’t wait to hear you call me that again in Heaven!
Dearest Mother, I am writing again to let you know that the Tea Party in your honor was just as you would have wanted it! Tanya, Laurie, Stefanie, Brooke, and I were so honored to drink out of your beautiful tea cups, as we shared precious memories of you, Daddy, and Jim. My friend, Jeanne, prepared delicious tea cookies, which we enjoyed so much as we listened to your favorite harp music. Guess which tea cup Laurie drank out of? The one that plays music! Tanya selected a tea cup you really liked, the light mint green one. She also selected cups to take to her mother and Mrs. Kimes. There were long stem red roses by the chair of honor, your chair, Mother. We felt your presence, as well as your elegance. It was so special that Tanya and her family came all the way from Houston for this Tea Party! All because of love for you! Thank you for teaching me to value meaningful moments with family. This was one, sitting in the room where you stepped into Heaven, will be cherished forever!
Dear Grandmother, What a sweet privilege it is to call you “Grandmother.” I was blessed with two Grandmas that I only knew within the first 5 years of my life. Thankfully, God gave me a chance to know, love, respect, and learn from two additional Grandmas when I married Lee. However, there will only be one “Grandmother.” You define elegance and dignity, sprinkled with a passion to make life sweet, fun, and memorable for others. Thank you for your example of staying healthy & strong. Thank you for your generosity of love. Thank you for your reminder to always follow Jesus. Thank you for loving your grandson, Lee, with such intensity. I have the privilege of sharing life with him and I’m grateful for and certain of your strong influence on his life! Without a doubt, you live on in us! I’m forever honored to be your granddaughter!
This my third try at getting a letter off to you…my computer keeps going down,so here goes again. After forty-nine years I have so many memories so will try as the tears are flowing,it is so hard to say good-by.I think of Board meeting and you came to our place while Rev Bolton was doing this. I think of the night the four of us went to Denver for something special at Denver First Nazarene and when we got there it was the wrong night so on the way home we stopted at Johnson corner for coffee and between us that was all the money we had and neither one of would admit it.As the years passed we saw you in Kansas City,Mo…We saw you many time in between than and Colorado Springs,Co.We loved going to Furrs after Church. I am proud to have called you my friend all those years. Your life was always looking for ways to serve him better. My life as a christian and a Nazarene is because of you.Thanks.
Mother Bolton,
Today is your birthday, and I almost picked up the phone to call and wish you a Happy Birthday, like I always did. I’m going to miss hearing your sweet voice, but I know you’re probably having coffee in Heaven with Dwight and Jim. I hope they have some angel food cake for you later on.
I just couldn’t miss your birthday today, so you rest in peace and I’ll see you soon in heaven.
I miss you,
Gale
Dear Mrs. Bollton,
Vangi must be out-towm so writing you a note since its your Birthday,am sure you are having one of the best ever. Its Frontier Days in Cheyenne,lots of people in town and lots to do. Take care and enjoy your new home and keep everything in tact for Vangi and I.
Love ya,
Sue
Guestbook for
Evangeline Ruth Bolton