Geraldine Joy Evans

Geraldine Joy Evans, age 89 passed away Monday, July 22, 2024, at her home in New Plymouth Idaho where she had lived for almost 60 years. Jerry, the oldest of three daughters of Richard and Beatrice Hayes, was born on February 10, 1935, in South St. Paul Minnesota. She moved with her family to Idaho in 1945. The family settled in New Plymouth where she attended school. After graduation she married Richard “Dick” Evans in 1952. They had four children in five years. Jerry was a stay-at-home mom until she and Dick started the grocery store, known as DJ Foods, in 1966. She learned to juggle family and business and worked side-by-side with Dick on all their endeavors. 

Jerry was also involved with the lady’s club, EMOH (home spelt backwards), and Jayceettes, Chamber of Commerce. She served several years as an election worker alongside her sister-in-law, Jody Darrall, and longtime friend, Juanita Hunt. Her children’s activities she supported ranged from piano, ballet and judo to athletics, drill team and swing choir. Many other activities were added to her calendar after the arrival of grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. 

Through the years, she enjoyed traveling and sharing adventures with her lifelong and forever friends, Ila Schilling, and Penny LaCrone. Oh, the stories as they tattled on each other! What can we say? She was barely five feet tall, but she was a force to be reckoned with, for sure! She always had a sparkle in her eyes, never dulled by age, but by the disease that robbed her daily of the memories she held so dear. It would be difficult for us to list the many ways she has graced our lives with her beauty, her wit, and her wisdom. Grandma loved us individually and we all felt that, but she loved us even more, together. Grandma’s door was always open - literally. She rarely locked it… unless we left the house and were gone too long for her liking…but you could just walk in, and we always did. We always knew we had a place to stay for a few minutes, a few days, or just to use the bathroom. You know who you are! She cherished each one of us individually and we knew it! She shared stories of love for each of us with everyone who knew her. 

Ila, you have been her dear friend all her life and we love you for that! Thank you for loving her like a sister, through and through! We enjoyed her smart remarks, sassy comments, and wise lectures. She may have had a few of us “swear on the Bible,” a time or two! We always enjoyed her laughter and her infamous fig newtons & coke. Well, some of us enjoyed grandma’s coke as much as she did. The door was always open and there was no place like grandma ‘s house! She had the best Christmas gatherings we can remember and the most beautiful Christmas decorations, they were her prized possessions. She went all out! She loved flowers in the spring and her favorite were sunny days! Her legacy lives on through the countless lives she touched and the lessons she taught to those who knew and loved her. Grandma taught us all a lot, except how to live without her and for that we will forever be grateful and hold you close in our hearts forever. We love you Grandmama! Haaasuuuu! 

She was proceeded in death by her grandparents; parents; sister Patricia Pero and brother-in-law Dan Pero (Uncle Dan passed two days before her); son-in-law Rob Ziemer; grandson Brent Aaron Evans; and our dad, Dick Evans. 

She is survived by her four children and spouses, Janet & Bill Warnke, Toni Ziemer, Greg & Suzanne Evans, and Kellie & Roger Larsen; seven grandchildren, sixteen great grandchildren, plus one on the way; four great-great grandchildren; sister and brother-in-law, Susie and John Dolphus and several nieces and nephews. 

Our family expresses deep appreciation to Canyon Home Care & Hospice, in Fruitland and their incredible team for their aid and instruction and guidance in her care. 

“Be not sad when I die. I have fought a hard battle. The prize of peace and rest are finally mine.”