Eva Duff DeVall, 85

Eva Duff DeVall, 85, “went peacefully into the arms of her Savior” at her Whitefish home Jan. 25, 2012.

She was born April 5, 1926, in Whitefish, and remained a native of Whitefish all of her 85 years.

Eva was born Eva Daisy Duff to Charles Lee and Daisy Louella (Dutton) Duff. She attended Whitefish schools and graduated from Whitefish High School in 1945. Eva attended two years of classes at Northern Montana College in Havre.

On Sept. 16, 1945, Eva married William Charles Ray “Bill” DeVall in the Whitefish Methodist Church. In the years to come, Bill and Eva welcomed four beautiful children, Renee, Rodney, and twins, Joel and Julie.

Eva was employed as a bookkeeper for more than 10 years at JCCS CPA firm, formerly Miller & Eigeman. She was one of the original secretaries for the Burlington Northern Credit Union. 

Eva was a lifelong member of the Whitefish United Methodist Church. Her church and Christian faith were of utmost importance. She served many years as lay leader and treasurer, was a Sunday school teacher, pianist, church council president and managed many other church responsibilities. Eva lived each day devoted to continuing her Christian education, always reading to grow her faith.

She was a dedicated volunteer for the fundraising efforts of the new Whitefish United Methodist Church building. Eva not only was a church volunteer, but a friend, neighbor and “second” mom to many.

In Eva’s 85 years with us, she acquired several hobbies and more friends than we will ever know. She loved to crochet, knit, attend book club and attend theater productions with friends and family.

Eva, along with her husband Bill, was very involved with the Whitefish Winter Carnival, and traveled to other festivals around the Northwest. Eva and Bill spent many “golden year” winters in Tucson, Ariz. She became a lover of the desert and found peace there. Eva and Bill created jewelry for their small jewelry business with special stones and silver pieces acquired during their time in Arizona.

Eva Duff DeVall, known as Aunt “Wee” or Grandma “Wee” by many, was a grand woman of intelligence, strength, kindness and devotion. She was known for her sense of style, spunk, elegance and gracious personality. The well-being of her family was her vital concern; she always made quality time for anyone needing care.

Eva was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Roy Duff; and husband of 66 years, William “Bill” DeVall. 

Her sisters Nova “Billie” Johnson and Norma “Pee Wee” Brzoznowski survive her. She is also survived by her four children and their spouses, Renee and Bryce Berner, Rodney DeVall and Kim Ryerson, Joel and Karen DeVall, and Julie and Mick Fauske. Her seven adoring grandchildren who loved her dearly are Krista Hanson, Lisa (Fauske) and Rob Jewett, Kari (Hanson) and Mark Hooper, Amey (DeVall) and Brian Johnson, Shanel DeVall, Adam DeVall and Trisha DeVall. Eva’s eight great-grandchildren will also miss her greatly, Mileah Roberts, Laura Williams, Tyler and Hunter Jewett, Bremen and Ayla Johnson, Brock Hooper and Lucas Jackson.

We will be honoring the life of Eva and her husband Bill at 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 30, at the Whitefish United Methodist Church on Wisconsin Avenue in Whitefish. A reception will follow at the church.

Memorials may be made to the Whitefish United Methodist Church or a charity of choice.

You are invited to go to www.austinfh.com to offer condolences, share memories and view Eva’s tribute wall.

Arrangements are entrusted to Austin Funeral Home.