Evelyn E. Baughtman

Evelyn Elizabeth Baughtman went home to be with her Lord on April 28, 2024.  

On April 27, 1923, the world became a better place with the birth of Evelyn “Mimi” Elizabeth Rommel, daughter of Bessie and John Rommel.  Having lived to pass her 101st birthday is a tribute to the indomitable spirit she possessed.  She lived through the depression, the loss of her twin brothers and oldest brother which created a void but not enough to stop this “lil spitfire” from living life to its fullest.

Evelyn was close to her brother, Morris Rommel, and her surviving cousins Bill Rommel and John Rommel DDS (wife, Connie, and their two children, April and Sean Rommel).  At 16, Evelyn met the love of her life, 6’2” USA sailor Frank “Gramps” W. Baughtman Sr.  Together they explored and shared everything.  Their great love for the outdoors, camping, boating, and fishing spilled over into the lives of all who were close to them, especially their family.  

At 18, Evelyn welcomed her daughter into the world, Carolyn Elizabeth Baughtman (husband Peter Hartstein and two children: Scott Hartstein and Susan Lissak).  At 29, Evelyn welcomed her son into the world, Frank W. Baughtman Jr. (wife Delaine and three children Douglas Marion Baughtman, Erin Elizabeth Baughtman, and Frank “Trey” W. Baughtman III.  Then came the grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, just what she needed to fill her days with love and support.  Our family gave her purpose and meaning in life.  Evelyn adored her newest great-grandchild, Audrey Elizabeth Neal, who kept her interested in continuing life until her last breath.  Also, as her life neared the end, she had the fortunate ability to live in the house she and Frank Sr. lived and honored her husband to the end.

She loved Razorback sports and always watched them with her son-in-law, Peter. This would not have been possible without the sacrifices from “her boys” as she called them.  She always mentioned Frank, Scott, Trey and Peter.  We know she was forever grateful.  Evelyn had a work life as first executive secretary at War Memorial Stadium.  She was the last of the original staff to retire and was living proof that “good things come in small packages”.  Standing at 4’11”, she never let the status quo overshadow her from doing or saying what was right.  We will more than miss her.  She was solid as a rock and her prayer life matched that steadfastness.  Mimi walked with Christ and you would know it by her actions.  Evelyn was committed to First Christian Church in Little Rock, Arkansas.  She loved Christian hymns and used her alto voice to sing in the choir and later became church historian.  She is singing in heaven and has finally returned to her creator and partner, “Gramps”.  We love you “Mimi-Mama”!

Funeral services will be held on Monday, May 6, 2024 at 1 p.m. at Smith Little Rock Funeral Home.  Visitation will be one hour before the funeral service at 12 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, please make donations to First Christian Church, 14411 Taylor Loop Rd., Little Rock, Arkansas 72223.