Submitted by: Brenda Horton

 Minnie Evans Succumbs to Long Illness
A woman whose heart many persons in South Bend have good reason to know was the biggest part of her and whose judgment in human matters was of a rare quality, died in her little home at 622 North Frances street at 2 am today. She was Mrs. Minnie Evans, the city's first policewoman, who took the job May 1, 1914, and gave it up only when her health was not up to the task on Aug. 1, 1937. Her death followed more than two years serious illness. Remembered by those both on the right and the wrong side of the law as a motherly person who was the confidant of many.  Mrs. Evans had friends in high as well as the humbler walks of life.

No Sentimentalist
No mere sentimentalist, however, she was the champion and protector of three who need protection against predatory characters who looked upon young girls, women and children as logical prey. On occasions she could be as tough as her masculine counterparts, and every bit as effective. Veterans of many vicissitudes in the political comings and goings of different parts in the control of the city hall. Mrs. Evans managed to stay on rain or shine, turning in just as good a score in one administration as another and setting a pattern in policework in her field such as has not been maintained owing chiefly to the fact that she had her own particular ways of going about matters. She was a rare personality, wise in the ways of the world and kindly in her view of those in whom she thought there might be some salvage.

Good-bye to Friends
It is pleasant to report that at the time of her retirement, she realized one of the desires that had been hers for a long time to be able to "personally" bid her many friends good-bye. This was made possible for her when it was arranged that she should do so through the facilities of The South Bend Tribune's radio station WSBT, an event about which she spoke often in her retirement and which probably meant more to her than any other than as she released her hold on her life work.  Mrs. Evans was born in Marshall county, Indiana, April 14, 1875, and came here 56 years ago.  She is survived by her husband, Albert Evans, Sr; a daughter, Mrs. Edna P. Kuntz, Detroit, Mich.; a son, Albert Evans, South Bend, three grandchildren, Mrs. Daly, Jr., both of South Bend, and Mrs. Paul Kell, Eau Claire, Wis.; four great-grandchildren, and a sister, Mrs. Effie Martsolf, Mishawaka.

Funeral to be Thursday
Friends may call in the Orvis funeral home after 7 pm today and until noon Thursday when the body will be taken to Lowell Heights Methodist church to lie from 1 pm until the hour of funeral services there at 2 pm. Rev. Joseph A. Hornick, pastor will officiate. Burial will be in Highland cemetery. Mrs. Evans was a member of the Royal Neighbors club, a charter member of the Lowell Heights church and a member of the W.S.C.S of the church.

Source: South Bend Tribune, 10 Sep 1946.

Minnie Evans Laid to Rest In Highland
Mrs. Minnie Evans, South Bend's first policewoman, was laid to rest this afternoon in Highland cemetery, escorted on her last journey by a police guard of honor, some of whose members she had served with for many years on the force. The funeral services were held in Lowell Heights Methodist church, Rev. Joseph A. Hornick, pastor, officiated. A special guard of honor comprising younger officers of the uniformed division was accorded Mrs. Evans, besides the pallbearers whom she herself was said to have chosen. The pallbearers were former Assistant Chief of Police Williams Diedrich, former Detectives Leo Bernen and Edward McCormick, Detectives Elmer Sokol and LeRoy Poure and Patrolman William Million. The guard of honor, in charge of Sergt. James K. Trevey, comprised Patrolman Russell Hunt, Irvin A. Gloveski, John Kasprzak, John Crawford, Donald Brown, and William E. Nelson.

Source: South Bend Tribune, 12 Sep 1946.