Evelyn Rose McConnell

Evelyn Rose McConnell, 88, of Glenpool, Oklahoma, entered Heaven on Friday, January 23, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on August 10, 1937, in Chicago, Illinois, to Elmer Alex Hasse and Clara Matilda (Sebero) Hasse Thomas, and grew up in Phoenix, Arizona, one of eleven brothers and sisters. Evelyn married the love of her life, Hershel Ray McConnell, on May 18, 1953, in Phoenix, Arizona, while Hershel was serving in the United States Navy. Together, they shared more than 66 years of marriage and built a life centered on their family. They made their home in Muskogee, Oklahoma, where Evelyn spent most of her life. Evelyn worked in public school cafeterias as a cook and was also a talented seamstress who could sew just about anything. She wrapped Christmas gifts for local stores, including Wright Drug and Anthony’s. She loved hosting garage sales and going to them even more, and she enjoyed collecting antique glass. Evelyn will be remembered for the way she cared for her family, especially through her cooking and baking. She was known for the meals she made, the candy she prepared at Christmas, and the recipe book created from her handwritten recipes, a gift her loved ones will treasure for generations. She especially loved Christmas and took great joy in celebrating it with her family. Above all else, Evelyn loved her family. She was the heart of generations, always welcoming, always giving, and always happiest when everyone was together. Her steady love, her bright laugh, and the home she built that drew her family close will be remembered always. Evelyn was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Hershel Ray McConnell; her parents; her siblings, Elmer Hasse Jr., Edna Mercer, Raymond Hasse, Juanita Thomas, Gwendolyn Stark, Geraldine Rash, Robert Hasse, and Clara Hester; and her son-in-law, Andy Webb. She is survived by her children: Roy McConnell and wife Sandy of Glenpool, OK; Janet Hix and husband Winston of Muskogee, OK; Joyce Cox and husband Mike of Pryor, OK; and Ronald McConnell of Phoenix, AZ; her sister, Phyllis Thomas of Prescott, AZ; her sister-in-law, Helen Steele of Fort Gibson, OK; her grandchildren: Deonna McCaleb (Jason McCaleb) of Talala, OK; Brandon McConnell (Tiffiny McConnell) of Dewar, OK; Elyce Holloway (Josh Gordon) of Glenpool, OK; Kristen Wright (Jacob Wright) of Norman, OK; Shelby Perry (Justin Perry) of Muskogee, OK; Andrew Webb (Christen Webb) of Tulsa, OK; Michael Cox Jr. (Kassi Cox) of Owasso, OK; and Matthew Cox (Tiffany Cox) of Owasso, OK; 18 great-grandchildren, with another on the way (only “GiGi” knows his name); three great-great-grandchildren; and numerous other family members and many friends who will miss her dearly. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, January 29, 2026, at Cornerstone Funeral Home and Crematory, 1830 North York Street, Muskogee, OK, with Dr. Michael A. Cox and Reverend Brandon McConnell officiating. Condolences may be made to the family online at cornerstoneofmuskogee.com. The family wishes to give special thanks to Carter Health Care, hospice nurse, Kelsi McCorkle.

Evelyn Rose McConnell

August 10, 1937 - January 23, 2026