Joanne Mary Evans

Joanne Allen was born May 17, 1922, to Arthur and Mary Evelyn (Stobbs) Allen in Hand County, South Dakota.After attending the Agricultural School in Brookings, S.D., she began teaching in a rural one-room school in Hand County.She later earned a 2-year teaching certificate, and a Bachelor’s degree from Dakota State College in Madison. Early in her teaching career, she met and married Eugene Evans on July 13,1945.Their only son, Bobbie, was born in 1947.She continued her teaching career in the rural community until they moved to Miller, S.D. where she retired from teaching in 1984, shortly after Gene passed away.She loved to travel, and was able to take a trip to England, Scotland and Ireland.She also made several trips to visit family in Maryland. Joanne enjoyed reading, baking, and spending time with family.She was well-known for making chocolate-covered cherries, and her cream puffs were the best!

In 1996, she moved from Miller to Spokane to be near family.She participated in activities at the Senior Center, joined an exercise group and continued to enjoy reading and getting together with friends and family. Her cat, Zeus, was a great companion and friend to her. She was a member of the Hamblen Park Presbyterian Church.

Joanne was preceded in death by her parents, 6 siblings, including her brother, Alvin Allen,, and several nephews.She is survived by her son, Bob (Mary) Evans, her two grandchildren, Chris Evans and Andrea Worley, as well as 4 great-grandchildren,Curran and Caden Evans and Ryan and Dillon Worley, and numerous nieces and nephews.We will cherish the many fond memories created over her long life.

A memorial service will be held on February 18th, at 1:00 P.M. at Hamblen Park Presbyterian Church in Spokane.Agraveside service will be held in St. Lawrence, S.D. later this year.