Lavetta Louise Evans

July 2, 1936 – July 26, 2018

Louise Evans was born on July 2, 1936 in Tulsa, OK to Harold and Mildred Lewis and went home to her Lord on July 26, 2018 in Fresno, CA. With both an older brother and an older sister, Louise was the youngest of Harold and Mildred's three children.

Louise grew up in the Depression and the family moved around a lot as her father found better jobs. The family ultimately settled in Borger, TX where Louise and her siblings spent their high school years. After their kids were grown, Louise’s parents moved to Fresno, CA. Louise then moved to Fresno shortly after that and then her brother and his family moved to Fresno within a year or so.

While serving as a volunteer dance partner at Castle Air Base in Merced, CA, Louise met the Love of her Life, Rowland Evans. They were married a few months later and spent the next 19 years moving around the United States and Europe with the Air Force. Other than when Rowland was stationed in Vietnam during the war, Louise was able to accompany him on his assignments. While Rowland was at work, Louise kept herself busy volunteering on various charity projects with the Military Wives club. Louise and Rowland enjoyed their time together as a young couple and then they began to think about children. The happiest moment of their lives came when their son Richard came into their lives. Richard was the apple of their eyes and Louise loved being a wife and mother. Rowland's last assignment with the Air Force was in Denver, CO and they began planning for the next phase of their lives.

Then tragedy struck Louise and her son's lives when Rowland died suddenly. Louise decided to move back to Fresno so that she and Richard could be near family. She found them a home in a quiet neighborhood and the neighbors were friendly and welcoming. They enjoyed participating in the neighborhood activities. Louise studied psychology at Fresno State while she finished raising Richard. As the years went on, she joined a sorority, participated in various charitable projects, and became an active member of her church. She enjoyed traveling and especially loved cruising.

Louise was so excited to be a grandmother. When Richard and his wife had Jessica, Louise’s name became “MeMaw” and she was very happy to be able to watch Jessica full time while her parents were at work. After a few years, Jessica’s brothers Peyton and Dallas came along. Being “MeMaw" was one of Louise’s greatest joys in her life.

When Louise’s health began to fail, she wanted to stay in her home. When that became too difficult, she and Richard made the decision for her to move to an assisted living facility. Richard then found a house that would work for his family and also had a space for Louise. They were all excited to start living together as one family in the same home.

Louise was preceded in death by her husband Rowland, her parents Harold and Mildred, and her brother Harold, Jr. She is survived by her son Richard, her grandchildren Jessica, Peyton, and Dallas, her sister Juanita, six nieces and nephews, and multiple great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, August 18, 2018 at 10:00 am with a viewing at 9:00 am at God's Family Church, 7272 W. Shaw Avenue in Fresno, CA.