Evelyn Grant of Columbia Falls passed away peacefully on Nov. 17, 2017, with her family by her side.
She was born Jan. 18, 1933, in Anaconda to Donna and Sam Brand, joining her brother Joe, her sister Thelma, and later followed by brother Bob. Evelyn grew up in Three Forks where she loved playing basketball, riding horses, and swimming in the cool waters of the local gravel pit. After graduating from Three Forks High School, she attended nursing school taught by the Sisters of Charity at Carroll College, graduating as a registered nurse in 1953.
Evelyn’s nursing career began in Hot Springs where employment waited. Since the closest stop to Hot Springs by the dog-bus was the town of Paradise, she bought a ticket there, only to have the bus driver make the joking comment to the pretty young lady that she had a one-way ticket to Paradise. The bus driver never knew how true this was since, after Evelyn settled in Hot Springs, she met Jim Grant, a man of many talents, who became the love of her life. Jim and Evelyn were soon married in St Mary’s Church in Stevensville Sept. 4, 1954, the last ceremony to be held in that historic mission. Evelyn and Jim lived for a time in Hot Springs, then moved to Columbia Falls, and then on to Hungry Horse where their love of Glacier Park, as well as the surrounding area and careers drew them. By this time daughter Donna made them a threesome, and soon after daughters Debby and Kathy and son Jim joined the family, all being raised in Hungry Horse. While Jim worked as a machinist at Anaconda Aluminum, Evelyn continued nursing, a profession she was especially proud of and skilled, at Kalispell General Hospital and North Valley Hospital, before retiring from Immanuel Lutheran Home.
In addition to being a loving wife and mother, Evelyn was community oriented as well, being active in PTA, Girl Scouts, or simply helping others with her many talents. She was a member of the Altar Society and the American Legion Auxiliary. She was quite adventurous in anything she did, trying new things, and making all occasions special for her family and friends. Evelyn’s faith in God was known by all who cared for her. Hardly ever without her beads to work while at any activity, she was always talking to God as she participated in life.
Evelyn loved life all seasons of the year, but especially summers when she could go camping, hiking, picnicking and swimming, picking huckleberries and wild strawberries. She also loved painting and her impressions often depicted her outdoor activities, showing her love of nature and Glacier Park. She was also about everything having to do with the great state of Montana, the great country of the United States, and the flags and symbols that represent them such as eagles and bears. She could have coined “Made in the USA.” Her patriotism will be missed.
Evelyn is survived by Jim, her loving husband of 63 years; her daughters, Donna McCann and husband Doug, Debby Grant and husband John Konen, and Kathy Grant and husband Mark Voelker; brother Bob Brand, and wife, Sheila; grandchildren, Theresa and husband Corey, Christina, Marshall, Josie, and Jessica; as well as seven great-grandchildren, and many other family members, dear friends, and adopted son and daughter, Eric and Lorie Shields. She also leaves behind her furry friend, EJ.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her son Jim, her sister Thelma Curran, her brother Joe Brand and her nephew Pat Curran.
For the family and friends of Evelyn, simply knowing her throughout our lives was a true blessing for us, and one for which we are grateful. We will all miss her.
A rosary will be said at 10 a.m. with funeral services to follow at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 24, at Saint Richard’s Catholic Church, 1210 9th Street West, Columbia Falls. Burial will follow at a later date. A reception will be held at the church following the services.