Evelyn Rose Gerwitz was born on Aug. 30, 1936, in Gallup, N.M., to her parents, Ruby Irene McDonald and Thomas Richard Layden.
Evelyn married her best friend, Joseph Victor “Sonny” Gerwitz. They lived in France as Victor served in the Korean War. They then settled in Arizona and had four children and 20 years of happiness, before his sudden passing in 1979.
She lived her life serving her family, friends and community. As an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she was a temple worker in the Mesa Arizona Temple. Evelyn made hundreds of quilts for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also gave them all endless amounts of love and care. She had a wonderful sense of humor. She was the best partner in Canasta and a most formidable opponent. She was also an amazing baker and cook, an avid reader and skilled bookkeeper working for Spurlock Ranch, Judge Laveen Porter, and Bank of America before retiring very late in life.
She is survived by siblings, Ericka White (Jimmy) and Thomas Commons; children, Mary Martinez (Joey), LaMerle Martinez (Gene), John Gerwitz (Doris) and Martin Gerwitz (Judine); 14 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.
Owens Livingston Mortuary of Holbrook handled the arrangements.
