Evelyn Florence Branine, 79

Evelyn Florence Branine, 79, passed away peacefully, after a courageous fight with vascular disease, surrounded by her family at her home in Columbia Falls on July 18, 2015.

Evie was born on Jan. 24, 1936, in Mt. Morris, Illinois, as the youngest daughter of Dudley and Florence Allen and sister of Betty and Phyllis Jean. She was also the wife of Raymond; mother of Allen, Kerin, Lori and Mark; grandmother of Tara, Demi and Amanda; great-grandmother of Aiden; aunt of many; sister-in-law; mother-in-law; daughter-in-law; cousin; niece; friend; classmate; nurse-mate; neighbor; church friend and many more.

After Evie attended high school in Mt. Morris. She attended the Swedish American Nursing School to become a registered nurse and moved to Denver where she met the love of her life, Raymond Guthrie Branine. They were married on Jan. 16, 1959.

Evie followed Ray through his years of service in the Air Force and she worked as a nurse at many different locations. The family outings were many and Evie was known for her many vacations, adventures, and road trips with her family and friends. Evie was an avid cross-stitcher and her works grace the home of extended family and close friends. The hours of love she poured into her work will provide legacy and lasting memories for generations. Evie was a devoted Methodist and spent years singing in the choir, worshiping and fellowshipping with her Christian friends. She raised her children in her Christian faith and was looking forward to being reunited with her loved ones in heaven.

Evie was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Ray, who passed away on Feb. 18, 2007, while living in Mesa, Arizona.

The times in Arizona had changed and she moved to Montana to be closer to her children.

She is survived by her children, Allen Branine, Kerin and Randy Gayner, Lori Barrick and Mark Branine; her sisters, Betty McNett and Jean Gecan; five granddaughters and one great-grandson.

She also leaves behind her ever faithful puppy dog, Punkie Joe, who shared her nickname Punkie. She was loved by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews and many friends.

A celebration of Evie’s life and barbecue for friends and family is planned for 1 p.m. Aug. 9, at her home in Columbia Falls. As momma would say, “it’s not important what we do, it’s important that we be together.” Her remains will be set beside Ray’s in Phoenix, at the Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in the fall.

Columbia Mortuary is caring for Evie’s family.