Mildred Ethel (Hayden) Evans, daughter of Wilford and Jemima “Mittie” Ann (Ware) Hayden, was born July 7, 1895, at her parents' farm in the small settlement of Scottsdale, Maricopa County, Arizona Territory.
Mildred went to Scottsdale grade and high schools and attended Tempe Normal School for three years. She and her siblings drove a horse and buggy to Tempe Normal School and had to cross the Salt River. There was no bridge at that time, so when the river was in flood stage, they would leave the horse and buggy on the river’s north side and walk across the railroad bridge to Tempe.
On August 3, 1920, Mildred wed Agustus Adolphus Evans at her parents’ home in Scottsdale, with the home decorated in white and pink roses in combination with carnations and pepper boughs. The couple left immediately after the ceremony for Agustus’ cattle ranch in the Harquahala Valley in Maricopa County. After a short stay, they sold their interest in the ranch and returned to the Salt River Valley.
Agustus and Mildred had four children: Arthur Hayden, born October 18, 1922; Richard Eugene, born August 18, 1924; Raymond Lloyd, born April 24, 1926; and Ruth Eleanor (Evans) Cordes, born May 20, 1929. Mildred was an active member of the Methodist Church, Grace Community Church in Tempe, the National Farm Bureau, Yavapai and Arizona Cowbelles, the Fowler Women's Club and the Republican Party.
When the family lived near Encanto Park in Phoenix, Mildred attended the local Garden Club meetings. She loved roses and had a garden full of rosebushes wherever she lived. She also liked sweet peas, hibiscus, queen’s wreath and honeysuckle. In addition, she maintained a vegetable garden at every home.
Agustus died February 28, 1992, and Mildred died November 11, 1992, and was buried at Memorial Lawn Park in Phoenix, Arizona.
Mildred's mother, Jemima Ann (Ware) Hayden, and her sister, Helen Margaret (Hayden) Meeker, are also commemorated in the Territorial Women’s Memorial Rose Garden.
Donor: Raymond L. Evans, son, May 2002
Photo Located: RCG MS-39, Box E, F-Evans, Mildred
Updated: 11/09/2015, D. Sue Kissel
