Evelyn L. Lords

Evelyn Lewis Lords, long time resident of Pocatello, 88, passed away peacefully surrounded by family, Wednesday, June 28, 2012 at the Portneuf Medical Center in Pocatello, Idaho from an illness.

She was born July 31, 1923, in Cache Junction, Utah, to Jennie Fredrickson and Fredrick James Ball. They divorced in 1924. Jennie married Clarence (Bud) Lewis in 1931. Clarence was the only dad that Evelyn knew.

Her early education was in Cache County. She attended very small country schools, at times, with several grades in one room. In junior high she hated math but loved to play basketball. Anyone who knew her as an adult would be shocked, as an adult she had a sharp keen mind and was fantastic with numbers but DID NOT like sports of any kind.

In 1940 she married George Preece, (later divorced). In 1941, she gave birth to her first son, Ronald George Preece. In 1944, Evelyn married Ed Lords, making their home in Pocatello, Idaho for the majority of their lives. They completed their family with Frosty, Eddy, and Debby. Evelyn was a young domestic manager with 4 children and a husband whose job in sales kept them busy. This served her very well throughout the rest of her life. She was very active in PTA and Relief Society. In 1960 using her management skills, Evelyn started selling Avon. By 1963 she was regional manager of territories in Utah and Idaho. In 1968 after her and Ed had acquired several rental properties she left Avon to become their property manager. In 1980 God called Ed home. During the next several years Evelyn cared for her dying son, her mother, and several close friends.

In her later years she spent winters in Yuma, AZ and summers in Pocatello or visiting family and friends. She was able to travel and enjoyed going on cruises but she always loved being home. She spent many wonderful years with Darrell (Slim) Watson.

She was a beautiful lady, dressed impeccably, kept a beautiful home, always lent a helping hand, worked hard, and offered an open home. She was the kindest, yet toughest lady ever. She is fiercely independent, determined, and cared deeply for life. She was blessed with a loving family and many loyal and loving friends. She made many dear friends mostly at the first encounter. She was not only mom to her own children but "like mom and grandma" to so many others. She was a dear and special friend and always there. She loved to dance and music and was so good that often she and partner would be center stage. Everyone who knew Evelyn saw her strength and sparkle.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband (Ed Lords), son Eddy Lords (39), a grandson Brett (16), and two great grand children Andy (4 month) and Jamie (17).

She is survived by Darrell Watson, sons: Ronald Preece, of Ogden, UT, Frosty Lords (JoLynn) of Beaverton, OR, daughter: Debby Lords of Prescott, AZ. Twelve grandchildren, Darrell Preece (Karen), Ron Preece, (Jackie) Mike Preece (Kadie), Sandra Preece Reese, Linda Preece , Bill Bjorklund (Sherry), Bob Bjorklund (Vicky), Tod Lords (Danette), Stephannie Lords, Matt Lords (Adrienne), Vance Lords (Laura), Cinnamon Bandy (Max). 22 great-grandchildren, and 9 great-great grandchildren.

The family wants to say a special "Thank You" to the Portneuf Medical Center, 4th Floor Surgical staff and doctors for the wonderful care and dignity given to Evelyn and the kindness given to her family. Our blessing to each of you and all of those who supported and cared for Evelyn in these last months.

A graveside dedication will be Monday July 2, 2012 at Restlawn Memorial Gardens at 3:00 pm. An Evelyn Lords Memorial Concert will be at the Upper Ross Park Pavilion following the grave dedication. Please bring stories, memories and favorite Cd's to share in Evelyn's last dance of life. Lunch will be provided. A time for friends to call will be Sunday July 1, 2012 from 6 - 8 pm. At Manning-Wheatley Funeral Chapel 510 N. 12th Ave. Arrangements are under the care of Manning-Wheatley Funeral Chapel. Visit www.pocatellofuneral.com for online condolences.