Betty Virginia Evenson, 91

Betty Virginia Evenson, 91, passed away on May 12, 2012, at home in North Pole, Alaska.

Betty was born to Neal Henry and Ruby Bell (Haas) Clapper on May 25, 1920, in Townsend.

She married Joseph Romie Evenson on Oct. 21, 1939, and they had two children, Martha Raye (Hansen) and Warren Evenson. She was a homemaker.

Betty and Joe moved to North Pole in 1980, as Joe’s health was declining so that Martha Raye could care for him. Joe passed away in 1985, after a lengthy battle with Huntington’s chorea.

Betty loved her family; she loved to sew and loved children. At 91, she could still thread a needle, which brought her joy as she hand-sewed gifts for family and friends.

Betty was lucky enough to spend a few years with a few of her great-great-grandchildren, which brought her special joy, and for that her family is grateful. We are blessed to have had her so long in our world.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph R. Evenson; parents, Neil Henry (Renna) Clapper and Ruby Belle (Haas) Clapper; and siblings, Zelda, Doris, Shirley, Neal, Clarence and Charles.

She is survived by her children, Martha Raye and Royal Hansen of North Pole, and Warren and Nickie Evenson of Charleston, W. Va.; grandchildren, Deborah and Kevin Knutsen of North Pole, Scott Hansen of North Pole, Eric and Susan Evenson of Richmond, Va., and Miles Evenson of Parkersburg, W. Va.; great-grandchildren, Joel and Feniss Knutsen of North Pole, Samantha and Brandon Benson of North Pole, and Braeden Evenson of Richmond; great-great-grandchildren, William E. Russell, Jackson L. Knutsen and Aleigha K. Benson, all of North Pole; along with many extended family members and friends.

A graveside memorial service will be held for Betty at 2 p.m. on Friday, June 1, at Glacier Memorial Gardens in Kalispell.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Betty’s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view Betty’s tribute wall.