In Loving Memory of Evelyn Lois (Shaffer) Maly
Evelyn Lois (Shaffer) Maly passed peacefully with family at her side in the early morning hours of January 29, 2025. Evelyn was born in Inchelium, Washington on March 16, 1928 to Clarence and Alice (Judd) Shaffer. She was the youngest of seven children born to her farmsteading parents.
Upon graduating high school, Evelyn obtained a teaching degree from Eastern. She met her future husband, Lawrence Maly, at a dance. They married on May 9, 1953, at Ft. George Wright Chapel in Spokane, and together they had four children.
Evelyn was a skilled and caring teacher, working in Spokane Public Schools until her retirement. She was an avid reader and loved puzzles, games, and music. She kept a beautiful garden of flowers and food, with her raspberry cuttings living on in the gardens of her loved ones. Evelyn was a sharp card player, staying active in senior clubs well into her 90s, and easily winning pinochle games up until the end.
Known for her Sunday dinners and the ease with which she welcomed everyone into her home, Evelyn could whip up a multi-course meal with little notice and on-hand ingredients. A steady and contented woman, she showed her love through cooking, teaching, and staying present in life’s hard moments.
Evelyn was the anchor of her family. A devout woman of faith, she lived her life without regrets. Her words of wisdom and acts of love will forever echo in the hearts of all who had the joy of knowing her.
She is survived by her children: Anne Marie (Dennis) Overbay, Laura (Stephen) Nelson, and Alan (Ann) Maly; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Evelyn was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Lawrence; her beloved son Kendal; her parents Clarence and Alice; and her siblings Dorothy, Walter, Edna, Margaret, Claude, and Howard.
Evelyn's life was a testament to the power of love, dedication, and faith. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her legacy will continue to inspire and guide them.
Her celebration of life will be the 16th of March at 2pm at Five Mile Community Church in Spokane WA.