Martha Evans

7/11/1953- 2/18/25

Martha Evans was born in San Benito, Texas, on July 11th 1953, to Silvina and Benito Mendez, where her journey began as the ultimate big sister to her seven younger siblings. Martha embraced her role with unwavering love and dedication, always striving to support and uplift her siblings in every way possible. The family moved to Richgrove California, where Martha attended Richgrove School, forging lifelong friendships that would enrich her life. The family later settled in McFarland, where she attended Kern Avenue making friends that stood by her side till the end. Later Martha completed her education at McFarland High School. Her vibrant social nature allowed her to form bonds that lasted a lifetime. She was an exceptional student, actively participating in various clubs and always giving her best effort—a character trait that remained with her throughout her life.

Martha’s knack for customer service led her to numerous jobs, starting as a cashier at Eloy’s Market before her first “real” job as a receptionist at Farmers Insurance in Wasco and McFarland. Her organizational skills and eloquence made her a natural at helping others. In the spring of 1977, Martha met Randy Evans, and despite their contrasting personalities, they fell deeply in love. Randy proposed to her on a baseball diamond, and in true Martha fashion, she chose a simple, elegant engagement ring instead of the grand one she was presented with. They were married on September 23rd, 1978, at St. Mary’s Church in Delano, beginning a beautiful journey together.

Martha and Randy cherished their nieces, nephews, and numerous godchildren, often hosting sleepovers and dress-up days filled with laughter and joy. Martie made it a priority to attend all of their games and sports banquets, She made sure she was heard from the stands. Their path to parenthood was fraught with heartache; Martha experienced nine miscarriages and a stillbirth of their son, Randy Evans II. During these trying times, she relied on her faith and her family.

In 1987, Martha joyfully welcomed her daughter, Jacqueline, into the world. After a challenging pregnancy that required bed rest and an early delivery due to preeclampsia, Martha embraced motherhood wholeheartedly, taking a year off work to savor every precious moment with her daughter. She was the quintessential mother, attending every recital, honor roll assembly, and going above and beyond to create elaborate birthday celebrations filled with love and creativity.

Martha devoted 18 years to San Joaquin Helicopters, building lasting friendships with colleagues like Marilyn, Gabbie, and Anita. Her departure from the company was filled with emotion, a testament to the bonds she formed there. She then continued her career at Beneficial as a mortgage broker and later as a receptionist at Pandol and Sons for 11 years, where her joyous attitude and over-the-top Halloween costumes endeared her to everyone she met. Eventually, Martha returned to Farmers Insurance in McFarland, starting as a secretary and ultimately becoming an agent and running the office in her 60s. She loved her clients, who often stopped by just to say hello to “Senora Martie.”

Throughout her life, Martha was a pillar of strength for her family, especially during her husband Randy’s illness. She was the epitome of a faithful wife, never leaving his side during hospital visits and emergencies. When Randy passed away on May 26, 2019, Martha remained the unwavering rock of her family, fully embracing her role as a grandmother. Known affectionately as “Da Honey” and “Ama Honey” to her grandsons, Eli and Melquiades, she delighted in showering them with love and attention.

Martha continued to work at Farmers Insurance in Delano with her partners in crime, Alicia and Beth, until she was diagnosed with leukemia. Her battle was fierce, but she faced it with grace and dignity, never allowing her faith to waver. She expressed gratitude to Adventist Health Delano, nurses, Melissa, Marley, Emily, Tess, Dr. Anuj Bansal and staff, Dr. Sadeh Salmassi and staff, her medical team for their support over the years, particularly Dr. Shawn Shambough, Dr. Patel, Kathy Jo, Nikki, Nancy and all of the staff at CBCC for caring for her for 38 years. She wanted to thank Dr. Tam and USC Cancer Center who provided her with nine extra months to make lasting memories.

Martha fought her illness with remarkable strength, dressing up just to brighten the hallways of the hospital. She passed away on February 18th, 2025, surrounded by the love she had given so freely throughout her life. The outpouring of love and prayers during her battle was a testament to the many lives she touched.

Martha will forever be remembered for her class, style and grace. Martha leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, compassion, and resilience. She wished to thank her Mother Sylvia for her prayers, Daughter Jacqueline for being her voice and advocate, her son in law Jr for being her protector, sister Sandy for her unwavering support, Deedee for her laughter and physical therapy, Vergie for her care giving, and JR for being her steadfast transportation. Martha Evans will be forever remembered as a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, whose heart was as big as her love for others.

She is survived by her mother Silvina Mendez, Daughter Jacqueline Evans, son in law Melquiades Garza Jr, grandsons, Eli Lorta, and Melquiades Garza IV. Sisters Virginia Alford (Harry), Mary Bernadine (Tom), Delia Barajas (Eugenio), Sylvia Guillen (Bernie), Sandy De Leon (Gilbert), Lupe Kurz (Frank), and brother Benito Mendez. Sister in laws Beverley L’Anglois (Dale), Yolanda Evans, Dinka Evans, Kimberly Fulmer, Margie Coker, Hope Harris, Tammy Nelson, Brother in laws Fernando Arjona, Ernesto Garcia, Dave Fontes, Ron Evans (Patti), Rocky Evans (Wanda), Mark Evans (Kerrie), Rodney Evans, as well as her beloved nieces and nephews.

She is proceeded in death by her Father Benito Mendez, Husband Randy Evans, son Randy Evans II, In-laws Audie and Lupe Evans, Brother in laws Merardo De Leon, Gary Evans, Don Coker, Champ Fontes, Roy Harris, Kenneth and Larry Evans, Van Rust and Danny Nelson. Sister in laws Pris Fontes and Rachael Rust, niece Karey Evans, nephew Paul Rodrigues.

A visitation for Martha will be held Thursday, March 13, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Funeraria Del Angel Delano, 707 Browning Rd., Delano, CA 93215. A rosary will occur Thursday, March 13, 2025 at 6:00 PM, 707 Browning Rd., Delano, CA 93215. A mass of christian burial will occur Friday, March 14, 2025 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at St. Mary of the Miraculous Medal Parish, 916 Lexington St., Delano, CA 93215. A committal service will occur Friday, March 14, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM at North Kern Cemetery District, 627 Austin St., Delano, CA 93215.

Serving as pallbearers are Freddie Arjona, Joey Arjona, Geno Barajas Jr., Daniel Barajas, Bernie Guillen Jr., Mannuel Guillen, EJ Garcia and Gary Evans.

Services entrusted to Funeraria Del Angel Deelano, a Dignity Memorial provider.