Evelyn Elaine Thomas, 82

This is our mom, one of the greatest people we know. She left this Earth on Feb. 13, 2012, just in time to be with the love of her life (our dad) on Valentine’s Day. May God bless her and please return her sight so she can see the greatness ahead. May we see them dancing in the stars every night.

Born in Anaconda, Mont., on March 14, 1929, and she left this world on Feb. 13, 2012.

Evelyn Thomas embarked on her long awaited journey to be with her soul mate Leslie Thomas on Feb. 13, 2012. She leaves behind three daughters, Beverly Thomas (Hayden), Sharon Schaefer (Stafford, Va.), and Janet Shock (Hailey); her sons-in-law, Mike Schaefer and Scott Shock; and her brother, Herb Everitt of Coeur d’Alene. In addition, she leaves seven grandchildren, Ronnie Dionne (Kellogg), Alice Shock-Nordstrom (Hailey), Lori Schaefer-Silcox (Stafford), Sandi Schaefer- Belson (Falls Church, Va.), Marie Dionne-Young (Hayden), Lacey Shock-Bique (Hailey) and Amanda Shock-Parish (Hailey); as well as nine great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her mother, Alice Holton-Everitt and father William Everitt; two brothers, Bob Everitt and Leonard Everitt; one sister, Erma Everitt; as well as a half-sister, Betty Everitt; and two half-brothers, Hank and Ernie Everitt.

Evelyn was a loving wife, mother and grandmother; she loved to cook, read and sew and was well known for her beautiful quilts, and many articles of clothing. Her generosity was obvious as she gifted these articles to those she loved. When Evelyn and Leslie were younger they loved to camp, pick huckleberries and fish in the Avery Ranger district. They were also active in square dancing — traveling to many places to attend special events with the Silver Valley Squares.

She loved to gather her family whenever possible on the holidays and produced wonderful meals. In her later years her hearing declined and macular degeneration took most of her eye sight. She treasured her independence, challenging anyone who tried to take it from her. She was often seen either walking her dog, Corky, or riding her scooter to do errands around Coeur d’Alene. The day finally came when she moved into long-term care where she began her final journey to be with her true love.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 23, 2012, at Christ The King Lutheran Church, 1700 E. Pennsylvania Ave., Coeur d’Alene.