Huntsville - Martha Alice Evans Balusek, a woman of sharp intellect, warm heart, and an infectious smile that always began in her eyes, passed away peacefully on May 18, 2025, in Huntsville, Texas. She was 89.

Born in Houston on November 20, 1935, Martha was the daughter of George P. Evans Sr., an English professor at Sam Houston State University, and Martha Doak Evans, a professional architect in Huntsville. Tragically, her mother passed away when Martha was just 10 months old and she was lovingly raised by her father and stepmother, Claire Carsner Evans.

Martha grew up in Huntsville, where she attended public schools and graduated from high school in 1953. Martha pursued higher education at the University of Texas at Austin, where she was a proud member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Applied Art in 1957. Her passion for language and literature led her to teach English in Refugio and Houston during the 1960s. She often traveled to Puebla, Mexico, to visit family, embracing culture and connection wherever she went.

In 1969, Martha earned her Master's degree in English from Texas Woman's University. While teaching English at San Jacinto State University in LaPorte, she met William "Bill" Balusek, an art teacher and fellow lover of the arts. They married in 1973 and shared a life filled with adventure, creativity, and deep companionship. Together, they built long and fulfilling careers at San Jacinto and spent their free time traveling with The Friends of Archaeology, collecting and selling antiques, appreciating fine art, and enjoying the company of dear friends.

Upon retiring to Huntsville in 1997, Martha remained active and engaged in her community. She was a proud member of the Huntsville Outlook Club, the Order of the Daughters of the King, and a supporter of Democratic Party politics. A masterful bridge player and a lifelong reader, Martha was a woman who found joy in thoughtful conversation, good humor, and the pages of a well-loved book.

Martha is survived by her brother, George Evans, and his wife JoAnn of Denver, CO; her niece, Betsy Evans of Dallas, TX; her nephew, Scott Evans and his wife Carla of Greensboro, GA; her great-nephews Ben Evans and his wife Ashlin Stiehl Evans, and their sons Russell, Andrew, and John Joseph of Aledo, TX; and Matt Evans and his wife Eve Nettles Evans, and their daughter Naomi of Atlanta, GA.

A celebration of Martha's life will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Martha's memory to the William and Martha Evans Balusek Enrichment Endowment at Sam Houston State University, Box 2537, Huntsville, TX 77341, or online at http://www.shsu.edu/dept/university-advancement/giving.html.

Martha lived with grace, curiosity, and compassion and leaves behind a legacy of warmth, wit, and a deep love for learning. She will be dearly missed.