Obituary of Vincent H Evans

Vincent Homer Evans passed away on May 30, 2024 at Orchard Crest in the Spokane Valley where he had resided since April 2022. He succumbed to complications of his Parkinson’s Disease. Vince was born in Ritzville, Wa. to Homer & Mildred (Anderson) Evans on May 6, 1936; the 2nd of 5 Evans children. His parents at that time, were farming the land where Vince lived from birth and much of his adult life until his retirement and move in 2022; and only then would he make that move to fully retire from farming. He attended grade school at the old Ralston school through the 6th grade, then finished his education at Ritzville, graduating from HS in 1954. He entered into the farming business from that time on. Even though he sometimes regretted not pursuing higher education, he had a life-long love for furthering his education in many ways. He married Sherryl Sielaff in March 1962. He recalled being drawn to her at the Adams Co. fair the fall before and proposed soon after, while she was attending EWU. They had three children, Colleen, Eric & Aimee. During those busy years of the kids’ school & fair activities, Sherryl branched out in practicing her artistic skills and became involved in the Women Artist of the West artist group. In later years Vince also became involved in the background, as well as helping with their joint metal sculpture work. There are 3 large metal sculptures in Ritzville that they fabricated together. Vince was proudly named the Adams Co. Conservation Farmer of the Year in 1980. During these years of family life and farming, Vince also became very interested in the local Eastern Washington history. He and Sherryl, or Vince and others also interested in sleuthing, would go on Sunday drives to locate old schools, post offices, cemeteries, etc. Many people were fortunate enough to see the huge map he had in his office, of Adams Co with many of his findings flagged. He expanded his love of geology by joining the Ice Age Floods Institute, Palouse chapter and went on as many local explorations as he could. He was a 5th degree Grange member at Ralston, having been a past master there, as was his father. He had been a member of the Emanuel Lutheran Church in Ritzville since he and Sherryl married and was a lifelong supporter of the church and involved in the choir. He had also been a member of local quartets in his earlier years, sharing his wonderful voice. Due to technology, Vince was still able to watch livestreaming of Sunday church services from Ritzville. He would sing right along, singing most songs by memory. He is well remembered for his work ethic as a farmer and neighbor and in the past 2 years, his ethic of always appreciating any care he received, always saying a thank-you. He is survived by his children: Colleen (Mike) Ruzicka, Eric (Fawn Green) Evans and Aimee (Colby) Schell. He is also survived by grandchildren Kelsey (Nate) Knodel, Cort (Jenna) Ruzicka, Kate (Matthew) Leffel and Rachel Schell. Also surviving him are his step-grandchildren, David, William & Christopher Green and their families. Vince is also survived by step-grandchildren Michelle (Ruzicka) & Josh Brooks and Tyler & Sarah Ruzicka and their families. He is survived by his great grandchildren: Kade Knodel and twins Jett & Austen Ruzicka. He is survived by his siblings: Roger (Rene’) Evans, Patty Cairns and Nancy Pulham. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Marilyn Sielaff and Pat Evans and by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his wife Sherryl in 2020, brother Darrell Evans in 2020 and both parents in 1989. He was also predeceased by brothers-in-law Hugh Cairns, Jim Pulham and Steve Sielaff and his in-laws Lester & June Sielaff. There will be no public viewing. His service will be Saturday June 15th @ 1100 at the Emanuel Lutheran Church in Ritzville, with Danekas Funeral Home overseeing his service. Pastor Nathaneil Christman will be officiating with former Pastor Bob Kenyon also sharing thoughts. He will be buried at the Emanuel Lutheran Cemetery, next to his wife Sherryl. If desired, flowers may be ordered locally through Boxwood Home & Garden in Ritzville or in lieu of flowers the family suggests donations may be made to the Emanuel Lutheran Church or the Ralston Grange in Vince’s memory.