Evelyn Powell

Evelyn Ada Powell was born on February 4th, 1930 to Johanna Beck and Floyd Nairn in Perrydale, Oregon, at the home of her grandparents Frederic and Theresa Beck.

Evelyn would often reminisce of being at her grandparent’s farm with her brother Ray and their cousins, and warmly remembers her grandmother speaking German, and making potato pancakes. Evelyn grew up in the logging towns of Valsetz and Fall City, Oregon. She attended Fall City High School and was remarkably the only girl in her very small graduating senior class.

She later moved to Dallas, Oregon with her mother and stepfather Ray McKimmy. As a young adult Evelyn had fond memories of working at the movie theater and local bakery. She also enjoyed going to the Blue Garden Restaurant frequently to listen to music and dance with her friends.

In 1960 Evelyn married Loren Elvin Powell. Loren owned a farm in West Salem, and with the help of his brother Jack, they built their home. In 1964 their only child Susan was born. Evelyn was a homemaker and enjoyed volunteering at Susan’s school as a room mother and field trip chaperone. Both Evelyn and Loren were actively involved in Susan’s Girl Scout troop and they supported many camping trips. They lived on the farm for the next five decades, and Loren passed in the fall of 2004. Evelyn remained living at the farm until 2011 when she moved to Hillsboro, Oregon to be closer to her loving daughter Sue. Evelyn most recently resided at Rosewood Park where she staunchly and happily lived independently until her passing on April 8th, 2021.

Evelyn was known for her potato salad and loved potlucks and holiday gatherings with the “Missouri Bunch”, who treated her like family. She also loved birthday celebrations with her special group of ladies. Evelyn insured greeting cards were always sent to friends and family for every special occasion. She cherished cards she received and saved them for years. Over the years Evelyn remained uniquely lighthearted and positive about most things in life. Even during the bad times, she could always be counted on for a smile, and a quick joke to lighten any mood. To say Evelyn was truly a lifelong optimist to the very end is not an overstatement. Evelyn will be missed in loving memory, and is survived by her daughter Sue (Russ) and her cousin Rosalie.