Evelyn Holmes was born Aug. 10, 1910 in Snohomish. She graduated with honors from the University of Washington in 1935 with a bachelor of arts degree in economics and business. She was also a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. Following her college graduation she married Earl Holmes and they moved to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada where Earl worked in a law firm for several years. Later they returned to Washington and eventually settled in Yakima until Earl’s retirement in 1973. Earl preceded her in death in 1977.

Evelyn had a life long love of learning. Following their retirement she and Earl studied at many elder hostels and after Earl’s death, Evelyn continued attending elder hostels with friends. She took creative writing classes up until the time of her death. At 93, she completed her memoirs at the request of her grandchildren. Even in the last months of her life when she was ill she would often ponder what she was supposed to be learning. Evelyn worked on behalf of the poor throughout her life, through her church and as a caseworker for the Department of Public Assistance in Yakima and Everett. She gave generously to many charities and would carefully read and consider every charitable request she received. The happiest years of her life were spent on Whidbey Island where she and Earl lived after retirement. Evelyn spent time reading, gardening, and walking the beach collecting special shells and rocks for her grandchildren. Most of all she loved being a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Evelyn is survived by her three children, Steve Holmes (Jan), Sharon Stauffer (Mike), Penny Holmes; six grandchildren, Jennifer Zid (David), Brad Holmes, Bret Holmes, Todd Holmes, Aaron Stauffer (Iana), Sarah Hassell (Jed) and four great-grandchildren, Emma, Amira, Samuel, Olivia.

Services to celebrate Evelyn’s life will be held in Tacoma at St. Leo’s Catholic Church, Vigil on Thursday, March 2 at 7 p.m. and Funeral Mass on Friday, March 3 at 12:10 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Evelyn’s name to St. Leo’s Emergency Services.