Evelyn Evvy Bauer Jones, 88

Evelyn Evvy Bauer Jones, 88, passed away Nov. 27, 2010. Evvy was born July 7, 1922, in Kalispell, to Fred and Fannie Bauer. She was one of four children, was raised in Smith Valley, and spent the majority of her life in that area. She attended Batavia School through eighth grade. She married David Jones on Jan. 8, 1941. They lived on the family farm west of Kalispell, where they raised four daughters. Her lifelong vocation was that of a homemaker and caregiver. Her role as caregiver began at the age of 12, when her mother became wheelchair-bound due to rheumatoid arthritis. She loved cooking, baking, and often expressed her love by making room at her table and miraculously providing excellent homemade food for family and friends who happened to drop by. Her family often marveled at how she could make a family feast for many out of very little. She loved vegetable and flower gardening, cultivating beautiful flower gardens each year. Evvy was an accomplished seamstress. She made clothing for her children and grandchildren, including her daughters bridal gowns, and for entire wedding parties. Evvy was a musician, played piano, and often hosted musical get-togethers incorporating family members who all played and jammed together. There were also many card parties and extended family gatherings. Evvy was a natural healer. She worked with kinesiology and acupressure and helped many people to feel better, both physically and emotionally. Her calm demeanor was a source of comfort to many. Family and friends have often expressed what an incredible role model Evvy has been throughout her life. Even though she constantly struggled with pain from rheumatoid arthritis, she demonstrated grace and a positive attitude to the very end. Evvy s sparkly blue eyes and warm smile were a gift she shared with many. Her greatest gift to all was her legacy of love. She loved attending all of her children s and grandchildren s school and sports activities. She particularly enjoyed her grandsons soccer games and followed them all across the state, and was fondly known as Gram to many. Evvy was a woman of faith, shown particularly by being an avid Seattle Mariners fan. For her 80th birthday, she was able to travel to Seattle to tour Safeco Field and see a game in person. It was truly a highlight in her life. After selling the family farm and moving into town, a common sight was Evvy and Dave walking around town, holding hands. They truly enjoyed their many miles together, and their obvious true love for each other was an inspiration to many. She was preceded in death by her husband, David Jones; parents, Fred and Fannie Bauer; brother, Frank Bauer; sister, Esther McAtee; grandson, Greg Everett; and granddaughter, Cathy Stimson. She is survived by sister, Winnie Jones, of Big Arm; sisters-in-law, Mary Bauer and Emma Shero, of Kalispell; daughters and their husbands Joyce and Irving Everett of Kalaheo, Hawaii, Gloria and Ken Foote of Kalispell, Bonnie and Earl Griffith of Kalaheo, Hawaii, and Karen and John Thienes of Kalispell; grandchildren, Shelly and Ron Jacobson of Lolo, Ronda Adams and Jodi Stimson of Kalispell, Kyle and Cheryl Burgess of Kalispell, Ryan Griffith of Vancouver, British Columbia, and Kory and Jamie Burgess of Lolo; great-grandchildren, Raimey Burgess of Hanapepe, Hawaii, Alicia Adams of Kalispell, Jacie Stimson of Tampa, Fla., Morgan Stephens of Kalispell, and Talon McCarver of Kalispell; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives. The family would like to give heartfelt thanks to the caring staff from Kalispell Regional Medical Center, Home Options Hospice, Brendan House and Prestige Assisted Living. We would also like to personally thank Dr. Paul Berkram, Dr. Timothy DuMontier and Dr. Bernadette Van Belois for their exemplary care and kindness to Evvy and her family members. Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 1, at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home. A luncheon reception will follow the service in the lower level of the Eagles Club on First Street West in Kalispell. Viewing will be from 2 to 7 p.m. today, Nov. 30, at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home. There will be a private family burial at a later date. Friends are encouraged to visit www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolences for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.