Evelyn Delores Gibson

Evelyn Delores Gibson was born to Walter Severt and Carolyn Wandell Swenson in Colson, South Dakota on April 29, 1926.  Evelyn attended school in Madison, S.D where she met and later married Dale Smith.

In 1946, Evelyn and the Smith family moved to Walla Walla.  She and her husband had two sons, Bobby and Dick.  Several years later her family was complete with the birth of her daughter, Jeannie Jones Basel.

Evelyn began her career in 1954 with the Walla Walla District Corps of Engineers.  She was promoted through the system from file clerk to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Officer. The Corps became like a second family to Evelyn.  During her career Evelyn received many commendations and awards.  She influenced many people in her years at the Corps.  Her goal in her career was to make the work place better for those following after her, especially women.  Evelyn held leadership roles in her professional as well as personal life.  She was the first woman president in Christ Lutheran Church; she was also chairman of the Walla Walla Advisory Board for Aging and Long Term Care.  Evelyn enjoyed her family, traveling, sewing and crafting.  She loved to help people.

Evelyn is survived by two sons, Bobby and Sue Smith, and Dick and Linda Smith; five grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, and her daughter.

Viewing and visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 10 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Herring Groseclose Funeral Home.  Funeral services will be held at Christ Lutheran Church, Thursday, April 11 at 10 a.m. with burial to follow at Blue Mountain Memorial Gardens.

Memorial contributions may be made to Christ Lutheran Church or Walla Walla Community Hospice through Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder, Walla Walla, Washington.