Evola Troutman

Blanche Evola Smith Troutman, 90, of Midland, passed away Friday, April 14, 2017 at her home surrounded by her family.

Evola was born January 27, 1927 in Stanly County to the late Millard Melton Smith and the late Ellen "Rettie" Henrietta Smith. She was also preceded in death by her beloved husband of 31 years, Carl Collins Troutman, who passed away in 1979; son, Cecil Melton Troutman; brothers, Hoil, Grady, Ermin, Coy, Theron, Newell, and Bill Smith; sister, Vera Morris; brothers and sisters-in-law, Howard (Elizabeth) Troutman, Ann Brown, Marvin (Edith) Troutman, Alice Troutman, Leonard Troutman, Jane Smith, Mable Smith, Avis Smith.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., Monday, April 17, 2017 at Arlington Baptist Church. The funeral service to celebrate her life will follow at 3:00 p.m. in the church sanctuary, officiated by Pastor Rick Whittier and Rev. Dr. Steven Gandy. The burial will be in the church cemetery. She will lie in state on Sunday, April 16, 2017 from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. at Hartsell Funeral Home of Midland. At other times, the family will be gathering at her home, 11000 Flowes Store Rd., Midland.

She is survived by her son, Charles Troutman and wife, Lu-Anne of Harrisburg; brothers, Clayton Smith and wife, Carol of Albemarle, Hilton Smith and wife, Louise of Albuquerque, NM; sister, Louise Barbee and husband, Bud of Locust; brothers-in-law, Harold Troutman of Concord, Bill Troutman and wife, Hilda of Midland; sisters-in-law, Zelma Smith of Locust, Myrtle Smith of Oakboro, Jean Clontz and husband, Gary of Mint Hill, Betty Troutman of Weddington, Carol Smith of Concord; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Evola graduated from Oakboro High School and Morgan's Business School in Albemarle. She retired after many years of dedicated service as the accountant office manager for Tol-Co Inc. in Oakboro. She was a faithful member of Arlington Baptist Church, where she served as a Deacon and was a Sunday School teacher for over 30 years. Evola was a hard working devout Christian. She lived her life by her faith, always leading by example and sharing her Christian morals and beliefs with others. Evola enjoyed giving back to her community by volunteering with the Flowe Store Home Extension for 39 years. She was an avid gardener and quilter. She also loved to cook and bake; and was famous for her homemade chicken and dumplings and Cola-Cola cake. Evola was a loving and wonderful wife, mother, sister, aunt, and friend. She lived her life to the fullest and will be sorely missed by all who knew her.

Memorials may be made to Arlington Baptist Church, c/o Building Fund, 9801 Arlington Church Rd. Charlotte, NC 28227, or Arlington Baptist Church, c/o Quilt Ministry, 9801 Arlington Church Rd. Charlotte, NC 28227, or Jeff Andler Ministries, 7410 Applecreek Dr., Charlotte, NC 28227.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Midland is serving the Troutman family.