Evalena Schutz

April 28, 1921—February 1, 2015

Evalena was born on April 28, 1921, to Mary and Verby McElroy in Athensville, IL.

On January 30th, 1939, a blustery cold day, Evalena McElroy married Edward Schutz in Burley, ID. They made their home near their parents in Central Cove, Idaho where they continued to farm. In 1949 the family moved to Madras, OR where her husband, Edward, began leveling farm land. In 1955 they moved to Mesa, WA located in the Columbia Basin (at one time considered a dust bowl). Irrigation was just coming to the basin and this created more job opportunities. They continued to farm and level land. Several years after Eddie passed away, she made a trip of a lifetime to Sweden and Ireland. Evalena was 98% Irish. She had always wanted to visit Ireland where her grandparents lived before immigrating to America. Evalena moved to Bay City, OR in 1999 to be closer to her daughters. She was active in the Bay City United Methodist Church. Due to serious health problems she moved to assisted living in Vancouver, WA in September of 2007. There she was able to get the medical help she needed. She continued to enjoy her family. She loved to go out to lunch and have chicken fingers and onion rings.

To this marriage were born five children, a boy, Monty Gordon, surviving only a few days. Her four remaining daughters are: Sylvia Harlow of West Richland, WA, Patricia Montague, Portland, OR, Carolyn Fine, Bay City, OR, and Karen Burge, Tillamook, OR. Evalena was preceded in death by her son, Monty Gordon Schutz, August 17, 1944, her husband, Edward Bruno Schutz, November 18, 1985, mother, Mary Melvina Griffith. 1939, father Verby Lee McElroy, 1977, brother LaVern Whiffin, and sister Beverly Whiffin.

When Evalena was young she loved to read, play baseball, dance, and make paper dolls for her friends. Dancing continued to be one of her favorite things to do after she was married. In Mesa, her favorite activities were bowling, gardening, and reading. She was active in the Gideon Lutheran Church in Connell, WA.

Evalena has ten grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grand children. Mom’s family was her crowning joy.

The majority of time, Evalena was a stay-at-home wife, mother, and homemaker. She was always there when her children got home from school. She attended all their activities, holidays, birthdays, as well as her grandchildren’s plays, games, etc. She encouraged us to do our best and work hard to get what we wanted. She was an immaculate housekeeper, and wonderful gardener. She made the best bread pudding, cinnamon rolls, fried chicken, apple pie, and pork chops. Living in an oasis of produce, she canned apple sauce, peaches, cherries, pears, beets, and apricots. Her jars of canned fruit and vegetables would make a beautiful page in a food magazine. Whatever dad brought home, she canned or put it in the freezer. Each August dad would bring home a pickup bed of fresh corn. Everyone that was home was put to work (mom doing the majority). Several hours later the corn was in the freezer to enjoy during the rest of the year.

We each have special memories. Holidays and birthdays have always been important. Christmas time at the Schutz home was always a major family event. Many of the family traditions are still continued in her children and grandchildren’s homes; the most important—being with family at the holidays.

Mom was always the happiest spending time with her daughters and grandchildren. She took great pride in her children and grandchildren’s accomplishments.

Evalena embraced technology. She loved following the kid’s blog. Later it was face book, face time, or videos from our phones or I Pads. She loved seeing her grandchildren. She loved listening to Nick and Nate play the piano. The changes that took place in her lifetime were revolutionary.

Those we love are always with us. Their laughter, wisdom and thoughtfulness are gifts of love that are ours to keep forever. Thank you mom for these cherished gifts!

(This poem was found in mom’s treasure box)

Please let me keep on going, Lord,

From dawn to setting sun

Till I’m no longer needed

And all my work is done.

Please let me be around to see

My little ones grow strong

And keep my shoulder handy

For their tears when things go wrong

Please let me make our home a place

They’re happy to be in—

And help me by example

To keep them free from sin.

For not until they’re all prepared

To face life’s rocky road

Does any mother dare to drop

Her burden and her load.

It’s only then that she can feel

She’s truly earned her rest

As thankfully she whispers, “Lord—

I’ve done my Very best!”

A memorial service will be held for Evalena Schutz at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 14, 2015 at the Lincoln Memorial Park, 11801 SE Mount Scott Blvd., Portland, OR Use Gate 9 (Large brick building with teal roof)

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 16 in Othello, WA at the Bess Hampton Memorial Garden Cemetery. Bess Hampton Memorial Garden located ¾ of a mile east of the water tower (the tower is red and white striped), off 14th Avenue. No physical address. If you find the water tower, you will see the cemetery. Turn right (east) at the base of the water tower which is 14th and Cemetery Road.