Ima Jean Evans Obituary (1929

Ima Jean Evans, 93, of Zillah, WA, passed away on April 28, 2022. She was born February 26, 1929, in Perry, Oklahoma to John Henry and Ethel A. Pierson. She lived in numerous locations throughout Oregon, Washington, and California, with most of her life in Yakima Valley, WA, Hood River and Milton-Freewater OR, prior to settling in Zillah, WA. Ima Jean was blessed with three children, Steven Reno (of Walla Walla, WA), Sherie Miner (of Zillah, WA) and her beloved stepdaughter, Creta Larson (of Welches, OR). In 1971, in Hood River, OR, she married Melvin Evans, a high school band teacher whom she met while working as a cook in the school cafeteria. Together, they enjoyed traveling and chaperoning students while performing music in parades and other events throughout the Pacific Northwest. Ima Jean loved Jesus, her family, her pets, flowers, hummingbirds, reading, baking, and cooking. In her earlier years, she enjoyed painting ceramics and RV camping, while enjoying the outdoors with her husband, Mel. She treasured her close friendships and Church families. She will be dearly missed by the many people whose lives she touched and her many friends and family who loved her. The survivors of her beautiful legacy, include her children, Steven (and Debbie) Reno, Sherie Miner, and Creta (and John) Larson; along with her “adopted” daughter Joyce McNeice, 9 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Edward (Ted) Reno; beloved second husband, Melvin Evans; parents, John Henry and Ethel A. Pearson; son-in-law, Marvin Miner; and her three siblings, Lowell Pierson, Doyle Pierson and Odessa McGrew, and several other relatives. A graveside service will be held Tuesday, May 3rd at 12:00 in the afternoon at the Zillah Cemetery.