Evelyn Frances Sherrod Fletcher

Evelyn Frances Sherrod Fletcher, 102, passed away on January 4, 2026, at her home at Wheatland Village in Walla Walla, Washington.

Evelyn was born July 31, 1923, in Tekoa, Washington, to Roy and Zoe Briggs Sherrod. She attended school in Tekoa, graduating as Salutatorian from Tekoa High School with the class of 1940. She then enrolled at Whitman College, where she studied music for two years.

Evelyn met Eugene Fletcher on a blind date at Whitman, and they were married on August 25, 1942, in Walla Walla. Eugene had already enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Forces and was awaiting the call to enter the Cadet Flying Program. They lived in Walla Walla until Eugene was called to active duty on January 1, 1943. As soon as he finished pre-flight training, Evelyn followed him to each training base and worked in the local towns or on the base.

While Eugene was overseas flying with the 8th Air Force during World War II, Evelyn lived with her parents. During that time, their first son was born. After the war, Eugene remained in the Air Force both on active duty and in the Reserves. They lived in Pasco for four years before moving to Tekoa, where they lived for over 50 years. They farmed, and Evelyn was the homemaker and bookkeeper/record keeper for the family farm. Two of their sons came back to the farm, so it was a family venture.

In 2006, they moved to Walla Walla, where they enjoyed their retirement years. In 2013, Evelyn began volunteering at St. Mary Medical Center's gift shop and made many new friends there.

Evelyn played the organ for church, weddings, and funerals for many years and enjoyed working in her garden, doing needlework, traveling, and family get-togethers. She was a member of the Tekoa Community Church and Chapter AT PEO.

Her husband of over 70 years, Eugene, preceded her in death in February 2013. Also preceding her in death were her brother, Donald Sherrod; her sister, Mildred Bissinger; her first son, David Fletcher; and her first grandson. Survivors include her daughter-in-law, Dorothy Fletcher, Tekoa; her sons and daughters-in-law, Gary and Gloria Fletcher, Waipahu, Hawaii, and Jim and Linda Fletcher, Walnut Creek, California; her daughter and son-in-law, Sherry and Terry McConn of Walla Walla; 10 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Tekoa Ambulance Fund, Tekoa Community Church, or Tekoa Empire Theater through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W Alder St, Walla Walla, WA 99362. Friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.