Ann Evertz, 84

Ann Evertz passed away on March 1, 2012, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center, after a short illness related to complications from a previous surgery.

Ann was born on Nov. 11, 1927, the eldest child, to Minnie and John Hanje in Witt, Ill., and attended school there. She helped on the family farm when she was old enough.

At the age of 19, she came to Montana for a visit with her aunt and uncle.  She liked it here so she stayed and got a job at a clothing store in Roundup.  She worked there for several years, then went to Billings where her sister worked and got a job in a laundry there. This is where she met and married John Evertz of Terry, on July 8, 1950.

 She and John ranched for a short time in Edgar before John began a career in the timber industry. During this period they lived in near Darby and in Missoula where he worked in the saw mills. While in Missoula, Ann worked at JCPenney. In November of 1962, they moved to Polson and John worked at Plum Creek Lumber Company in Pablo. Ann resided in Polson at the home she built with her husband and children until her death.

 In the late ‘60s, she began working in the Dietary Department at St. Joseph Hospital. During her 20 years at the hospital, she worked in dietary, purchasing and laundry. After she had retired from the hospital, she worked as manager of the Elks Club Lounge for a few years. In 1990, she began volunteering in administration at the hospital and continued until her health failed in September of 2010.

From 1974 until her husband’s death in 1995, she was intimately involved with the Mission Valley Speedway. She and John were avid race car participants and supporters, and volunteered many hours at Mission Valley Speedway. Ann worked with Mission Valley Auto Racers Auxiliary managing the concession stand and as secretary-treasurer.

As her grandchildren grew up, she supported them in their sports activities.  She tried to see as many games as possible. Her other passions included watching college and NBA basketball, college and NFL football and, of course, she was a UM Grizzly through and through.

 Her parents, three brothers and her husband preceded her in death.

She is survived by her six children and spouses, Mark Evertz, Donna and Jerry Whealon, David and Eileen Evertz, and Joanne Evertz, all of Polson, Diana and Dave Baird of Spokane, and George and Yulanda Evertz of Hungry Horse; her sister, Doris Guhrt, of Hamilton; and 11 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Cremation has taken place and services will be held at a later date. Grogan Funeral Home, Polson, has been entrusted with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting memorials be made to the Lake County Relay for Life.

Condolences may be shared with the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com.