Mary Evelyn (Keplinger) Hefner was born June 19, 1934, to Clyde and Oleta Keplinger in McAlester, Oklahoma. She graduated from Elk City High School in 1952 and attended a year of college at Bethany Peniel College.

During college she worked across the street from the school in her uncle's cafe, Herman's Eat Shoppe. She married Wayne Hefner in Elk City, Oklahoma, on December 21,1953, when he was home from the Army for Christmas. They lived in several places before coming back to Oklahoma and establishing a lifelong home. After 12 years of marriage, Ronald Wayne was born in January of 1965 and Shari Lynette in July of 1970.

Evelyn is survived by her daughter, Shari Kimbro, and son-in-law, JG Kimbro, of Oklahoma City; 3 grandchildren that she loved deeply, Riley Zaragoza and husband Brandon of Mustang, Oklahoma, along with Rhett Kimbro and Ramsey Kimbro of Oklahoma City; and a niece and nephew that she adored, Shannon Davis-Lopez and Jason Davis.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne Hefner; son, Ron Hefner; parents, Clyde and Oleta Keplinger; brother, Ken Keplinger; sister, Clyda Turner; and her parents-in-law, Hoytt and Gertrude Hefner.

Evelyn loved to dance and has danced all of her life. Her passion for dance began when she played the French horn and was a majorette in her high school band. She and Wayne jitterbugged all over the house with the kids. For the last 25 years, most of Evelyn's weekends were shared with friends, dancing nearly every type of dance you can imagine - the 2-step, jitterbug, line dance, waltz, and foxtrot. She walked daily with her friends at Northpark Mall and enjoyed the time spent with them.

Evelyn loved her church, Crossings Community Church, and was very involved. She delivered flowers to people who were recovering from surgery, sick, or grieving. She attended Bible study, re-supplied the backs of the pews in the sanctuary, greeted fellow worshipers, filled backpacks for the Back to School program, and ate lunch every Sunday with her Sunday School class.

Evelyn loved to travel. She went on trips to Mexico, Canada, Europe, the Northeast, Branson, cruises, and her very favorite, Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Her favorite place to eat was Charleston's and not just because they served all her favorite foods, but because they treated her like family. She was a celebrity there and they loved her so well.

Evelyn loved Jesus deeply and talked to Him daily. She prayed fervently over her family and friends. Her favorite and most quoted Bible verse is Isaiah 54:17 which says, "No weapon formed against me shall prosper." She claimed this in everything she did and believed in the Lord's protection over herself and her family.

Being called Granna by Riley, Rhett, and Ramsey was the highlight of her life. She delighted in stories, pictures, social media, sleepovers, meals, and any time she could spend with them. She told everyone how much she loved them and how proud she was to be their grandmother.

Evelyn joined Jesus peacefully on August 16, 2025. She will be missed dearly as Mom, Granna, Auntie, and friend by so many people.

Viewing at Mercer-Adams Funeral Service will be Thursday, 9am-8pm with family present from 6-8pm. Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 22, 2:00pm at Mercer-Adams Chapel, 3925 N. Asbury Avenue, Bethany, Oklahoma. Evelyn will be laid to rest in Resurrection Memorial Cemetery.