Evelyn Marie Miller

Evelyn was born on August 27, 1920 at a home she referred to as the "Williams Place" just south of Portland, OR. She was the fourth born of twelve children in a hard working close knit family. Evelyn married Wes Kolshinski in 1943 and moved to Orick where they raised their young family in a home that they built along Redwood Creek. During that time, Evelyn managed the Orick Theatre during its heyday and worked at the Palm Motel in Orick, Dimmick Bros. Store and at Prairie Creek State Park.

Evelyn and Wes moved their family to McKinleyville in 1965. She began working the State Department of Rehabilitation, a position she held until her retirement. In 1969, Evelyn dealt with the tragic loss of her husband Wes. Showing her strength and determination, Evelyn continued to grow in personal and professional life. She went back to college and earned an AA degree at College of the Redwoods in 1975. She took the opportunity to travel, making trips of Australia, New Zealand, China, Africa, Mexico and Alaska.

Evelyn was always busy with community activities ranging from the Bluebirds in Orick, the Grandma and Grandpas' Club at Mckinleyville HS and the McKinleyville Senior Center. She was a master flower arranger. Her creations were a highlight at family and community events over the years. Evelyn was an active league bowler and later in life developed a passion for bingo. And Evelyn fished! She fished wherever and whenever she could, but her favorite areas were her home waters of Redwood Creek, the Mad and Klamath rivers where she out-fished and out caught many diehard fisherman.

She loved new challenges whether it was parasailing and "boogie boarding" in Hawaii or tackling the writing of One by One, her personal memoir published in 2004.

Evelyn is survived by sisters Kathryn Pond and Pat Dooyen and brothers Richard Hass and David Hass of Portland. She has three children, Jo Ann Zanin (Zeke), Redding, CA, Joyce Pedlow (John), Bellingham, WA and Jack Kolshinski (Toni), Arcata, CA). She leaves grandchildren Christa Gerig (Greg), John Pittman (Cheri), Justin Kolshinski (Ana), Tobin Kolshinski (Amy), Blaine Pedlow (Kari) and Wes Pedlow and six beloved great grandchildren, Kaylin, Gavin, Megan, Kody, Jackson and Austin.

Family services are scheduled for Tuesday March 20th followed by a 2:00 PM reception at Azalea Hall in McKinleyville for friends and family.

Mom, Grandma, Granny, Evelyn - We love you and we will miss you dearly. You were one very special woman!

Please sign the guest book at www.Times-Standard.com, click obits.