Evelyn Garrett

Evelyn Garrett of Somerset, KY, died, Tuesday, February, 23, 2021, following complications from surgery and chronic illness. She was 93. Evelyn had lived in Somerset for nearly 70 years. She was born Evelyn Juanita Carlson, January 24, 1928, in Janesville, Wisconsin, to Rudolph and Edna (Nelson) Carlson. She met her husband, William W. Garrett, a disabled WWII Army veteran, while she was a nurse caring for wounded soldiers following that war. Mr. Garrett died in 1997. Mrs. Garrett is survived by a sister, Carol Taylor, of San Antonio, TX, and a brother, Melvin Carlson, of Lancaster, WI. She was preceded in death by her parents as well as her sister, Ruby Baldock, and brother, Albert Carlson. Evelyn was a long time and steadfast member of the First United Methodist Church in Somerset and devoted a good deal of her time, treasure, and talent supporting Christian ministries and promoting efforts to further Christ’s kingdom. Evelyn was a registered nurse who served with the Pulaski County Health Dept. for thirty two years. She retired in 1987 after having provided public healthcare, including giving shots and serving as a primary care provider, to several generations of local residents. In addition to her religious passion, Evelyn was passionate about animals and farming. She and Bill traveled far and wide participating in Keeshond and Pomeranian show-dog competitions. Over the years Evie, as she was known to family and friends, owned three different farms in the areas surrounding Somerset. There, amongst other, less exotic animals, she raised Icelandic ponies and herds of beefalo. Mrs. Garrett held many offices in national beefalo organizations, including for a time serving as president of the American Beefalo Association. Always a courageous and determined presence, Mrs. Garrett survived over a decade following radical cancer surgery and lived alone and independently in her home for the last seven years of her life even though completely blind--a testament to her indomitable spirit. She will be entombed beside her husband at the Lakeside Memorial Gardens in association with the Pulaski Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations of remembrance be made to the United Methodist Mountain Mission. Interment will take place on Tuesday, March 2nd at 11:00 a.m. Arrangements for memorial services will be announced at a later date.