Evelyn Pearl Mccracken

Our loving mother went to heaven on April 21, 2023. Evelyn P. McCracken was born May 3, 1923, in Milnor, ND, to Peter & Selma (Moberg) Johnson. Evelyn grew up in Milnor, ND, and graduated from Milnor High School. Evelyn continued her education at Valley City State Teachers College in Valley City, ND, where she received her teaching certificate. That was the beginning of her dreams of being a teacher. Evelyn taught in a one-room classroom (1st through 8th grades) for four years, then boarded a train and ventured to Libby/Troy, MT, to start a new teaching job.

On this new venture, she met Leo R. “Jim” McCracken in September 1945. They were married on May 25, 1946, in Spokane, WA. They were blessed with four children: Danny Guy, Gary Lee, Janene Kay, and Patricia Ann.

After taking a few years off to raise her family, Evelyn returned to the classroom as a substitute teacher for a year, then was hired in 1959 full-time. Evelyn taught 5th grade, 4th grade, and 2nd grade at Davis Elementary School in College Place for thirty years, retiring in 1989. Evelyn loved teaching; one of her favorite subjects was reading, so sharing that love with the children was natural.

Evelyn had so much passion for teaching. She had pictures of every class for thirty years.

Besides teaching, Evelyn loved baking, knitting, and flowers, especially roses and peonies. Her flower beds were always full of color. She loved her family, and their get-togethers were always cherished times, especially family reunions with relatives from North Dakota and Washington. The love, laughter, and bonding were the highlights that sustained her through later years.

Evelyn was a member of Pioneer Methodist Church, Retired Teachers, Delta Kappa Gamma, Boy Scout Den Mother, and Women’s Elk’s Auxiliary.

Evelyn is survived by her four children and their families - sons, Danny McCracken (Liz) of Walla Walla and Gary McCracken of College Place; daughters, Janene Michels (Mike) of Walla Walla and Patty Bier (Glenn) of Spokane; grandchildren, Brooks McCracken, Danielle McCracken, Austin McCracken, Katie Puzey (Monty), Mylan McCracken (Brittney), Heather Michels, Keith Michels (Brenda), Chris Michels (Nichole); great-grandchildren, Ira, Tilly, Elyse, Gracey, Lyam, Natalie, Luke, Emma, and Colton.

Evelyn is preceded in death by her husband, Leo “Jim”; her parents, and four siblings. She is the last to join her family in heaven, as was Jim. Evelyn’s sister, Edna Gochnour, her guiding light and touch stone, passed away on March 9, 2023, at the age of 103, leaving Evelyn broken-hearted. Evelyn will be loved and missed until we see her again.

Evelyn was blessed to remain in her home until her passing due to the exceptional care from family and caregiver Connie Morse, for which the family extends their gratitude.

Viewing and visitation will be held on Friday, May 5, 2023, from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm at the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W Alder, Walla Walla. The funeral service will be on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at 1:00 pm, at Pioneer United Methodist Church. There will be a private family interment at Mountain View Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Pioneer United Methodist Church, Shriners Hospital for Children, or a charity of your choice through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder St., Walla Walla, WA 99362. In addition, friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.