Evelyn "Kink" Mae Locke

Evelyn “Kink” Mae Locke, died Saturday, July 26, 2025.

“You must leave the body to free the soul.”

After nearly 83 years of eternal perspective preparations, Evelyn Locke, was finally called to join Jesus and our Blessed Mother Mary. We commemorate the life of a mother of 10, wife of 53 years, a sister to 10, a grandmother to 19, a great-grandmother to 6, an aunt to 70+, a devout Catholic, and an aspiring artist. She was the Matriarch of the Locke Family, a Prayer Advocate, and an empathetic listener who was befriended by many. She is dearly loved and greatly missed by all whose lives and souls she influenced.

Evelyn “Kink” Mae (Ramsey) Locke was born on 8/5/1942 to Forrest Sr. and Ruth (Linot) Ramsey in Wichita, KS. She graduated from St. Mary’s High School as both the author and orator of a nationally published recording and speech titled, “I Speak for Democracy.” Although she initially desired to become a nun as a humble servant to the Lord, He had other plans. Through her nursing career, she met her husband, Laurence Locke, at McConnell AFB. They married on September 30th, 1965, and he preceded her in death after 53 years of marriage. Between 1967 and 1987, Larry and Evelyn had 10 self-proclaimed wonderful children – 6 boys and 4 girls – who were raised to cut coupons and class through their years of Catholic schooling.

Evelyn was a strong dedicated mother and disciplinarian who was as tough as the family pack of steaks she would always broil well done. She raised 10 kids in a one-bathroom home full of religion, values, sarcasm, and an abundance of love. Evelyn deeply valued her family and faith, and she ensured Christ was always present in both her and her family’s lives. She also consistently attended Mass daily since she was 16 years old. She volunteered and captained the All Saints Adoration Chapel for several years; often covering overnight Holy Hours. She truly devoted her life to preparing herself and her family for eternal life in Heaven.

In addition to being a sure winner for Sainthood, Evelyn was sarcastic, quick witted, and belly laughed at even the worst jokes from her kids. She was a lady of laughter, patience, and had a big heart. On the occasions when she was not wearing curlers and a moo moo gown, nearly late for Mass, she was playing music from her record player (aka her home altar/shrine topped with religious statues and candles) or watching Bob Ross. She loved to paint along with him and “beat the devil out” of the brush during his shows.

Evelyn is now reunited with her daughter, Debbie, her siblings, her parents, and is likely reminding Larry of the benefits of their tithing. A week away from 83 years old, she is finally free to receive her ultimate reward after a life of devoutness and servitude.

We are extremely proud of Evelyn and everything she accomplished with the exemplary life she led. We will continue to “say our prayers, offer up our sufferings for the less fortunate, count our blessings, and ask the Lord to bless the poor and the sick people, and to help us help them.”

Evelyn is preceded in death by her husband, Laurence E. Locke; daughter, Deborah Locke; brothers, John, Michael, and James Ramsey; sisters, Helen Kottke, Dorothy Ramsey, and Mary Morris.

She is survived by sons, Marc of Scottsdale, AZ, Steve (Danielle) of Wichita, KS, Brian (Jennifer) of Andover, KS, Greg, Eric (Marci), and Nick (Marcee) all of Wichita, KS; daughters, Marcy of Wichita, KS, Sharon of Denver, CO, and Christi of Wichita, KS; Unknown kids Blankety Blank So & So; siblings Forrest Ramsey Jr., Ruth Ann Williams, Rita Bryant, and Margaret Thunberg; grandchildren, Chasity Fredericks, Regan Locke, Jourdan Burrus, Taylor Lowden, Barrett, Ashlyn, and Braden Locke, Chase Savaiano, Nigel Hall, Tyler, Bryson, Hayden, and Lauren Locke, Brecken and Madison Locke, Kaleb Depew, Camilla and Caden Locke, and Logan Marie Locke; her great-grandchildren, Monroe Burrus, Benton, Carter, and Howie Lowden, and Evelyn and Eden Locke.

Public Viewing will be from 6:00 – 8:00 pm, Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at Downing & Lahey East Mortuary. You are welcome to come and go. Her Celebration of Life will begin with a Rosary in her honor at 9:30 am, followed by Mass at 10:00 am, on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at St. Anthony Catholic Church. Burial will directly follow the mass at Ascension Cemetery, 7200 E. 45^th St. N. Due to scheduling restrictions, there will not be a public luncheon afterwards.

In lieu of flowers or donations, the family asks that any symbol of generosity is through a donation to Catholic Diocese of Wichita, 424 N. Broadway St., Wichita, KS 67202.

Services in care of Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.