Lois Ann Evans, 80, passed away peacefully in the Christian Health Care Center in Lynden Nov. 4, 2004. She was born July 19, 1924, to Anthony George Schille and Olive Sariette (MacDonald) Schille in Seattle.

She married Wallace Evans in July of 1943 shortly before Wallace’s deployment overseas in World War II. Upon his return, she demonstrated great ingenuity and perseverance by putting him through the University of Washington where he graduated as a civil engineer.

Evans became an expert in leading the family through all the relocations required in the construction business. Trekking around the world, stationed in various locations, she became conversant in Spanish and Thai. In addition to all her other activities, she managed to nurture a latent talent playing her favorite music, jazz, on the piano and became good at it. She inspired her family with her passion for politics, music, religion, and foreign cultures.

Living in Bangkok during the Vietnam War, she opened the family residence to homesick GI’s. Thanksgiving included those lonely troops who craved a home-cooked meal with an American family overseas.

Upon retirement, Lois returned to Whidbey Island with Wally in 1986. Sadly, she suffered severely diminishing health. Despite the illnesses, Lois retained her deep faith in God.

She leaves behind her husband, Wallace; sons Chris and Bryant (Wallace II); daughters Denise (Patterson), Nancy; brother Tom Schille; sisters-in-law Mary Anne and Janice; grandchildren Andrew Evans, Nicole and Maryn Patterson; and all the Schille nieces and nephews.

A memorial service was held Nov. 6 at the Lynden Christian Health Care Center. Internment was at Moles Cemetery, Ferndale.

Evans’ family would be grateful if people shared their thoughts and memories of her online at www.ferndalemoles.com/moles/index2.cfm.