Evelyn Marie Ford

Evelyn (Evie) was born in Salem, OR on Oct. 7, 1935 to parents Lloyd and Mildred (Funseth) Lebold, the second of four children; brother Gene the eldest and Don and Jim youngest. Her father hailed from Leola, SD and moved with his family to Salem where his father began a grocery business on State St. and Lloyd worked as a butcher in the early days. Mildred emmigrated as a small child with her family from Stromsund, Sweden to Spokane where she grew up, became a nurse, and later moved to Salem. There, she met and married Lloyd and they raised their family in the home Lloyd and his dad built on Trade St.

Evie shared many fond memories of her upbringing living next to her grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins, with neighbors helping neighbors and her mom acting as community nurse to whoever called on her for help. Evie made lifelong friends from grade school at Washington Elementary, and graduated from Salem High in 1953. She attended OCE, now WOU, and recounted the many drives to school with brother Gene where she would steer while he worked the pedals and played the ukulele or harmonica while they sang together!

Evie later worked for a time in an office position until one providential evening while out with friends at The Pines in Lincoln City she met Phil, the love of her life for the next 57 years. They married in 1963 and made their home at "285 Washington" where they spent the majority of their years together. Their beautiful home was the hub of countless Christmas dinners, birthdays, and other festive gatherings with family and friends, music always playing, and lovely dinners prepared by them for all to enjoy. Evie never batted an eye as the nieces and nephews would explore the house, peeking through drawers, closets and cubbies, trying on makeup and shoes, bumping down the stairs, calling someone on the old fashioned phone in the kitchen, or looking for their beloved kitty Pearcy, who would inevitably hide in the basement when company came. It was always a treat to be at their home, and you knew you had "arrived" when you were invited to sit at the "big table" in the dining room and not at the kitchen nook or a card table in the living room.

Their home was frequented by neighbor kids and pets and was a favorite stop at Halloween. Though Evie and Phil had no children of their own, their nieces and nephews held a special place in their hearts. They attended sporting events, plays, graduations, weddings and birthdays, and for many years took them Christmas shopping and to see Santa downtown as youngsters. Maintaining close relationships with family was a priority for Evie and Phil.

Evie joined the Assistance League in the early 70's and enjoyed serving for decades, making many lasting friendships there. Gardening, walking through Fairmount Hills and beyond, and traveling with Phil were activities she enjoyed, with Mendocino becoming a yearly destination for them. She also served volunteer positions at the Humane Society for many years.

After Phil's passing in 2020 Evie moved to Boone Ridge where she lived and was lovingly cared for until her passing. Evie was preceded in death by her mother and father, brother Gene, niece Sherry Lebold, and husband Phil. Survivors include brothers Don (Ann) and Jim (Bev), and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be held on Friday July 12 at 1pm at Belcrest Memorial Park, 1295 Browning Ave S with a reception and refreshments following. Family and friends are welcome. Private interment to follow.