Evelyn Sally Dills, 77, a longtime Sedro-Woolley resident, passed away at her home on Wednesday, June 18, 2014, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born on July 15, 1936 in Caney Fork, North Carolina, the daughter of Robert Larkin & Otha (Shelton) Parker. She attended Johns Creek grade school and Cullowhee High School in North Carolina. In 1955 the family moved to Skagit Valley residing in Hamilton. Evelyn continued her education at Sedro-Woolley High School.
On June 24, 1958 she was united in marriage to Hez Dills in Hamilton by Reverend T.T. Smith and they made their home and raised their family in Rockport and then Hamilton. As her children entered school Evelyn went to work as a clerk/manager for the Grandy Creek Grocery, where she worked for many years, but she still found time to attend all school activities. In the late 1980’s Evelyn and Hez moved to Sedro-Woolley.
Leisure time found Evelyn and Hez and family camping and fishing at Baker Lake and in Eastern Washington and Evelyn spent many hours tending to her garden. She was also an avid bowler on a women’s league. She was known for her tar-heel and dilly beans and her biscuits and gravy. Evelyn was a blessing to her family, always the one that stepped up front to lead and guide in any crisis. The role of Nana was one of her greatest joy, always the biggest fan to her grandchildren from playing sports to taking their first steps, giving words of praise and encouragement. A faithful wife, a devoted mother, a doting nana, a supportive sister: she leaves us with a lifetime of beautiful memories.
Evelyn is survived by her husband, Hez at the family home in Sedro-Woolley; her daughters, Cindy Dills and her companion Rick Wenrick of Marblemount and Shielah and her husband, Charles Ivory of Ferndale, four grandchildren, Jessica Singh (Mori), Rikki Wenrick, Chad Cavanaugh and Malik “Moe” Ivory; three great-grandchildren, Neomi Davidson and Arayla and Evangelina Singh; two brothers, Carlton Parker of Lynnwood and Lyle Cook (Angel) of Sedro-Woolley; three sisters, Blanche Moore of Sedro-Woolley, Reva Johnson (Jim) of Birdsview and Larki Thun (Chris) of Concrete; numerous nieces and nephews and her beloved dog, Hammy. Evelyn was preceded in death by her father, Robert Larkin Parker, her mother, Otha and step-father, Paul Cook and her beloved nieces Diane and Cathy.
The family requests that memorials in honor of Evelyn be made to Children’s Hospital.
Graveside Services will be held on Saturday, June 21, 2014 at 11:00 AM at the Lyman Cemetery with Pastor Wayne Stiles officiating. Following the service family and friends are invited to a potluck fellowship gathering at the Riverfront Park in Sedro-Woolley. Services are under the direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.
Evelyn, I am sorry we did not have a chance to meet. You kindly posted a photo of gr.James Ervin Reece and we spoke of it.
Kind thoughts to all of Evelyn’s family – it is never easy to lose someone we love.
Betty Thomas-Maurice, Kelowna
Sheilah and Cindy, I am so sorry to hear of the death of your mother she was such a precious lady and very kind to me when I spent the night at your home many many times. I moved from Washington State 42 years ago but I will never forget all the good friends I made while growing up. Evelyn would pick me up and drive me to Brownie meetings in her beetle bug, then she would stay and help as a brownie leader I remember so well us making smores and eating tomato soup at the Lyman park. I know she will be greatly missed, may God comfort you at this difficult time.
I respond to this news with a heavy heart. All our wonderful memories living in Hamilton included the Dills family. We saw them everyday. Social Media – Face Book, allowed us to reconnect in the past couple of years. We will continue to pray for each of you as you deal with the changes that you will face. Find comfort in knowing that we care… your Tar Heel friends are here for you all.
Ralph and Jo Ann Bell
Judy Bell
Barbara Bell Watson
Ralph Gregory Bell
Our prayers and thoughts go out to you at this time. /sad sorry to hear of Evelyn’s leaving you for a place in the arms of Jesus, no more sorrow or suffering. Just think of the stories she might be telling to day, of all of you and your latest endeavors, and catching up with Mom “Othie”, her Dad, and Step Dad, her nieces Cathy and Diane, won’t they be happy to see her.
We are praying for comfort, and peace at this sad time, for Sisters, Hez, her children, and grandchildren. The committee of Hamilton and Sedro Woolley, she was always a workaholic in PTA and benefits, luncheons for the community. She will be missed by all. Loving Memories and prayers for all during this difficult time.
Evelyn was a sweet and gentle person just like her Mother May God keep you all close to him in your time of sorrow. You were blessed to have someone like her in you lives with so many wonderful memories they will be with you forever. Love and prayers
Evelyn will be missed by everyone that ever knew her. She was a great Big sister. she was the one we all could count on, she was loving and very thoughtful. Her, mom, Cathy, & Diane are in a corner and laughing till they have to Pee. They are in heaven, waiting for the rest of us.
Nana, you will be missed. We love you. It will be tough with out you here. You taught us almost everything we know about life. HAVE FUN IN HEAVEN!!!!!!! love you.
– your loved one,
cricket (ne)
I remember as a kid when my Uncle Hez and Kenny and others would hang around and compare cars and such and then Hez met Evelyn and that was it. He was just “gone” on her as they used to say. Evelyn had a quiet nature for the most part back then. She was a person who had high standards for herself; faithful, honest, kind. She had a way of making a person feel good with a compliment or a kind word just at the right time. She seemed to be always cheerful and happy with her life. She put others first. Missing her will be one of the toughest passages of your lives, but as time passes you will get through it by remembering the good times, the funny times, the loving times. I often just sit and remember Mother for a while and it is surprising all the stories that come to mind. it will be the same for you. Make the Lord bless and keep you in His care as you travel this path. Love, Gaye
Cindy & Family,
We are so sorry to hear of your Mother’s passing. Know that our prayers are with you and your family.
If you ever need to talk you know our number.
A beautiful soul. She possessed traits that made you love her. Kindness. A quick laugh/giggle over so many things that just lightened the moment. Homeyness (if that’s a real word)! Evelyn never put on ‘airs’ – her place was a comfortable and easy place to be….. and there were many of us that went there! AND she was the BEST damn ‘canner’ !!! I’m sure we each had our favorites. Thank you family, for sharing her with with all of us! I loved her. Cissy
Evelyn was my first cousin. She had a beautiful smile great since of humor and a very loveing personality. My heart grieves with you because I know she will be missed. God has her in his loving care. She has a big family welcoming her hom. Hes I send you love from our family we told mom and she has called out all your names with love. Know that Gearldine loves you even in her dementia she talks about being a part of her sister Otha’s family. Mom loves you all!
Oh Evelyn..you have left us must to soon. Your warm smile, and outgoing demeanor will surely be missed.
So many times I have thought about how we should spend more time together, but alas, times have passed and not to our enjoyment of each other. At Sylvia’s birthday you were so radiant in your beauty and humor, but alas,
you hid your disease so that others could enjoy the times. So unselfish of you, but that’s who you are, you beautiful Angel. I will miss you Evelyn, forever you will be in my heart…Phillip Dills(Nephew to Hez Dills)
I have many fond memories of my Aunt Evelyn although I have lived in Alaska for a very long time I grew up in Skagit County and I will always remember my wonderful family. My Granny Cook raised wonderful sons and daughters. I will always remember my Aunt Evelyn as a very kind woman who loved her family, I know she will be greatly missed by everyone. I know she is in Heaven with my mother Cathy and Granny Cook and her father and Diane and everyone who has passed before her. My thoughts and prayers are with my family at this sad time. I pray you can find comfort in knowing she is at peace and we will be with her again.