Evelyn Claassen

Evelyn Claassen, 87, a 62-year resident of Marlin, Wash., died Friday evening, October 15, 2004 at home. She was born September 15, 1917 in Ruff, the daughter of Andrew and Wilhelmina (Franz) Jantz.

She attended a country school and graduated from Ritzville High School in 1935. She attended Washington State College and Eastern Washington State College.

On May 31, 1941, Evelyn married Clinton C. Claassen at the Andrew Jantz Ritzville Ranch. Following their marriage, they resided at the Ritzville ranch until the fall of 1942, when they moved to the Andrew Jantz Ruff Ranch, which they purchased and operated.

Evelyn was a member of the Menno Mennonite Church.

Survivors include: her husband of the home; children, Sharon Meyer of Moses Lake, Wash., Eugene Claassen of Marlin, Patrice Claassen of N. Newton, Kan. and Cleon Claassen of Moses Lake; two sisters, Martha Robinson of Traverse City, Mich. and Malinda Zilliox of Moses Lake; and seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by two brothers, Leonard Jantz and Walter Jantz, and one sister, Mary Precht.

A graveside service will be held Friday, October 22, 2004 at 1 p.m. at the Menno Mennonite Cemetery. A service of commemoration will follow at 2 p.m. at Menno Mennonite Church with Pastor Terry Rediger officiating. Visitation will be on Thursday from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. and on Friday from 10 a.m. until 12 noon, both at the church.

Memorials may be made to Menno Mennonite Church.

Services are under the direction of Nicoles Funeral Home, Ephrata.