Evelyn Opal Cochran

Evelyn was born Jan. 6, 1924, on a homestead near the town of Tonasket,in remote northeastern Washington.
Her parents, Benjamin Meredith Bury and Margaret Lynch Bury, had three children: Leonard, Irene and Evelyn. Evelyn Opal Bury was only 6 weeks old when her mother died. Evelyn was raised by her mother’s
half-sister, Bertha E. Moorehouse Meckenheim, and her husband Joseph Herman Meckenheim, in the house he built on 901 Division St. in Walla Walla.
Evelyn attended Sharpstein Elementary School and graduated from Walla Walla High School in 1941. She worked as a secretary until her marriage to S. Earl Cochran on Nov. 18, 1947, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Walla Walla.
Evelyn and Earl lived on the family wheat farm 10 miles north of Walla Walla and raised six children. In 1975, they moved to the house on Brevor Place. Earl died from a heart attack on March 27, 1979, at age 59.
Evelyn became more involved as a volunteer. At St. Mary’s Medical Center’s gift shop she eventually became a buyer and manager. Other volunteer roles included Sunday school teacher; organizer for American
Cancer Society Fund; Catholic Church board member; Meals on Wheels; Catholic Daughters; and St. Anne’s Alter Society.
Evelyn played bridge with The Bridgettes for 65 years. She was a member of P.E.O. Chapter AD. Quick with a smile and a compliment, Evelyn had a way with words. Family and friends enjoyed her handwritten notes and delighted in her well-told jokes.
Evelyn is survived by her two daughters, Virginia Bell (Mark) of Hansville, Wash. and Marjorie Frett (Joseph) of Liberty Lake, Wash.; three sons, Harold Cochran (Valerie), Edward Cochran (Laurie) and David Cochran (Connie) all of Walla Walla; nine grandchildren,
Eric, Kevin, Gavin, Julia, Monica, Alexia, Ethan and Brielle Cochran and Joshua Bell; and four great-grandchildren, Kylie May and Preston Cochran and Emily Rose and Bridget Caldwell. Evelyn is preceded in death by her parents; husband, S. Earl Cochran; daughter, Elaine Cochran; granddaughter,Claire Cochran; and daughter-in-law, Kay Cochran.
Evelyn was able to be in her own home through her 92nd birthday. After a short illness, she passed away peacefully, March 14, 2016. She will be missed by all who knew her. The family wishes to express
their sincere gratitude to Dr. Bruce Barga and caring friends, Nora Taylor, Theresa Diane Bristol and Gwen Maynor.
The Rosary will be held at the Chapel of the Herring Funeral Home Friday, March 18, 2016, at 7 p.m. with Father Paul Cochran, officiating. The funeral Mass will be held on March 19, 2016, at 10:30 a.m. at the St. Patrick Catholic Church of Walla Walla with Father Paul Cochran celebrating. Interment will follow
at the Mountain View Cemetery, Catholic Section.
Memorial Contributions may be made to Walla Walla Catholic Schools, Walla Walla Catholic Family Charities, Walla Walla Community Hospice or the Herring House through the Herring Funeral Home, 315 W.
Alder St., Walla Walla, WA 99362
Family and Friends are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com