Evelyn Lois (Shaffer) Maly

Evelyn Lois (Shaffer) Maly, age 96, passed away peacefully with family by her side in the early morning hours of January 29, 2025. Now in the presence of the Lord and loved ones who have gone before her.

Evelyn was born in Inchelium, Washington March 16th, 1928 to Clarence and Alice (Judd) Shaffer. The youngest of seven children, she lived with her family on their farm in a log home built by her father. She grew up on that farm tending to cows, horses, chickens, pigs, apples, sweet corn, watermelons, tomatoes, potatoes and other vegetables.

She graduated from Inchelium High School in 1946 and left for Spokane to attend college. Evelyn attended Eastern Washington University and graduated in 1950 with a bachelor of Arts and Education. Following in her mom’s footsteps as a school teacher in Inchelium, Evelyn started her teaching career at Brown Elementary in Spokane.

In the spring of 1951 Evelyn met the love of her life Lawrence Maly at a dance. This chance meeting eventually led to their wedding day on May 9th 1953 in Spokane WA, at Ft George Wright Chapel. Together they raised 4 children; Anne Marie, Laura, Kendal and Alan.

Evelyn was a loving wife and mother who enjoyed family and friends. Cooking was Evelyn’s love language. Known for her Sunday dinners and hospitality with which she welcomed everyone into her home, Evelyn could whip up a multi-course meal with little notice and on-hand ingredients. Many great family times were spent around the dinner table. She loved puzzles, games, music and also had an avid passion for reading which amounted to reading thousands of books over the years. Evelyn was a sharp card player, staying active in senior clubs well into her 90s, and easily winning pinochle games up until the end. She kept a beautiful garden of flowers and food, with her raspberry cuttings living on in the gardens of her loved ones. A steady and contented woman, she showed her love through cooking, teaching, and staying present in life’s hard moments.

Evelyn was a skilled and caring teacher who taught at Loma Vista School, Spokane for 17 years until retiring in 1983. She also taught previously at Brown, Westview, Irving, and Bemis Spokane area Schools for a total of over 29 years in the class room. She was a member of the NEA and WEA and Spokane Education Association.

Evelyn was a Grange member in Inchelium for 50 years. She and her husband Lawrence were members of the Shadle park Presbyterian Church, as well as long time members of 5 Mile Community Church where they enjoyed singing in the choir.

Evelyn was the anchor of her family. A devout woman of faith, she lived her life without regrets. She will be especially remembered for her love of life, her words of wisdom and unselfish acts of love that will forever echo in the hearts of all who had the joy of knowing her.

She is survived by her Daughters Anne Marie (Dennis) Overbay of Spokane WA, Laura Evelyn (Stephen) Nelson of Chattaroy WA, and Son Alan Duane (Ann) Maly of Portland OR; Grandchildren Megan, Kendal, Kayla, Celena, Cheyan, Jacob, and Olivia; Great grandchildren Evelyn, Lorenzo, Addison, Carolina, Jenna, Zoey, Kiara, Mayslee; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Evelyn was proceeded in death by her husband Lawrence of 64 years; and beloved son Kendal; Parents Clarence and Alice Shaffer; Sisters Dorothy Carlander; Edna Gardner; Margaret Knight; Brothers Walter Shaffer; Claude Shaffer; and Howard Shaffer and their spouses.

Evelyn's life was a testament to the power of love, dedication, and faith. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her legacy will continue to inspire and guide them.

"Let not your hearts be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. For I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also". - John 14:1-3.

Evelyn was laid to rest on the 13th of February at Fairmount Memorial Park. Her celebration of life service will be the 16th of March at 2pm at Five Mile Community Church in Spokane WA. Pastor Dennis Christianson officiating.