​Born in Selby, South Dakota where she and her young family lived until 1953 when they moved to Washington. She resided for a short time in Lowell before moving to her new house in Marysville in 1954. In 1994 she moved to Oak Harbor. In 2010 she moved back to Marysville.

Evelyn’s friends and family referred to her as Ev, Ma, Granny, Grandma. Whatever enduring term they addressed her with, it was clear they had sincere

feelings for her. Everyone that she met, even in the very end, could see by her contagious smile that she just loved people. She spent her life helping both family and total strangers find and maintain trust in Jehovah, her God and Father. They were all her “kids”. She had more such “kids” than the average granny. Whether related by blood or by faith, we’re all going to miss her, but we know we will see her again soon.

She is survived by her three sisters Mary Hardy, twins Donys Nelson and Doris Pater as well as her two sons Michael and Patrick Merkel. She also is survived by her seven grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband Ruben Hiram Merkel, sister Florence Guetz and brother Lyle Mudge.

Evelyn’s memorial service will be held at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses on Saturday, April 7, 2018 at 2 p.m. at 4780-67th St. NE, Marysville, WA 98270. We welcome all to come and remember her with us and have the opportunity to hear about the firm hope Evelyn had in the future.

Arrangements are under the care of Hawthorne Funeral Home, Mount Vernon, WA.​