Amy Jean Evans Stant April 5, 1955-June 16, 2108 Indianapolis-Amy Jean Evans Stant died peacefully at St. Vincent Hospital on June 16 after a brief illness in Indianapolis, IN, where she had lived and benefitted from the compassionate care of New Hope of Indiana for nearly 40 years. Her husband, John Stant preceded her in death in 2016. Amy was born in Mishawaka, Indiana on April 5, 1955, the youngest of the six children of Sarah and James Evans.
Her siblings survive and are Margie Evans Miller, Sarah Evans Barker (Ken), Lora Evans Stout (John), James M. Evans Jr. and Joseph R. Evans (Linda). Amy leaves behind 16 nieces and nephews; several great nieces and nephews and numerous friends at New Hope in Indianapolis and in Mishawaka. In spite of her considerable physical disability resulting from cerebral palsy, Amy attended school in Elkhart, in the Penn-Harris system and completed high school at a boarding school for disabled persons in Jamestown, North Dakota.
Her parents and grandparents-especially her mother-were staunch advocates for Amy’s inclusion not only in school but also in the larger community, including Sunday school at the First United Methodist Church and summer sleep-over camp experiences. For many years an adapted VW mini-van made it possible for Amy to be transported in her wheelchair allowing her to maintain a very active social calendar. Amy benefited from excellent medical care at Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis, most especially at the Rotary Clinic under the watchful guidance and expertise of Anita Slominski and Pat Griswold, both of whom were instrumental in the creation of New Hope in Indianapolis where Amy eventually became a resident.
Amy’s family is especially grateful to the New Hope staff and caregivers for all the special ways in which they provided for her a happy and caring home and arranged a seemingly endless array of ongoing fun activities. The family is grateful as well to her kind and attentive brother-in-law, Ken Barker, who for many years provided not only wise guidance in planning for Amy’s care but also oversaw all the details for Amy’s eagerly-anticipated shopping expeditions in search of Christmas gifts for the whole family. Ken’s generosity toward Amy’s wishes, his trusted companionship with her, and his patient level-headedness in helping Amy make decisions enriched her life and endeared him to her, for which the entire family will remain always grateful as well.
Amy loved being with her family, especially at holiday and reunion gatherings. All those who met and knew Amy were impressed by her warm and loving nature and, despite the disability, her courage, her good humor, and her eagerness to be connected to the world. A memorial gathering is scheduled for later in the summer.
Gifts in Amy’s memory can be made to New Hope of Indiana, Inc. and designated in her name. Hahn Funeral Home, Mishawaka has been entrusted with handling the final arrangements. To leave the family an online condolence, please visit www.
hahnfuneralhomes.com.
If you found any mistakes, or you would like to add/remove to this obituary, please contact us by email: info@obituary.memorial. We never ask money for this.
