Vivian Ann Evans

Vivian Ann (Smith) Evans, 86, of West Liberty, Ohio and West Columbia, SC, passed away on Friday, December 12, 2025, after a brief illness.

She was born on May 25, 1939, in Urbana, Ohio to Marion Daniel Smith and Reva Mae (Heinlen) Smith.

Vivian graduated from West Liberty High School in 1957. She attended Ohio Wesleyan and graduated from The Ohio State University with an education degree. Vivian married the love of her life, Max N. Evans, on June 22, 1963, and they were happily married until Max’s death in 2011. After a brief teaching career, Vivian and Max operated the Ohio Caverns until their retirement. Vivian lived all of her life in West Liberty except for the last four years, when she moved to South Carolina to be closer to her daughter’s family.

Vivian is survived by her daughter, Lisa (Ken) Corning and her beloved grandchildren, Sara and Joshua (Ashley). She was predeceased by her parents, husband, and only sister, Sandy (Mitch) Smith. She is also survived by brothers-in-law Earl (Jeanne), Neil, and Dewitt Evans, as well as nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Vivian was a devoted and loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, and grandmother. She was also an avid supporter of the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Graveside services will be held in West Liberty’s Fairview Cemetery on Friday, December 19 at 2 p.m. A celebration of her life will follow at the Ohio Caverns from 3 – 4 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to West Liberty-Salem High School (7208 US Hwy 68 N; West Liberty, Ohio 43357) or to Downtown Church (2030 Gregg St.; Columbia, SC 29201).

EICHHOLTZ & DARING FUNERAL HOME & Cremation Center, West Liberty, is honored to serve the Evans family and encourages anyone to share a fond memory or message of condolence at www.eichholtzdaring.com

Family authored obituary / EJT