Evelyn Mercer Etzel left this world on Thursday, December 5, 2013 after suffering a stroke. Knowing Evie was a blessing to those she met in her 91 years. Her unassuming, genuine character, easy smile and caring personality touched everyone who had the pleasure of meeting her. Evelyn Nadine Mercer was born on her family farm in Milton, Kansas on July 1, 1922 to Grace and Charlie Mercer. She was the middle child of 3 children. Eldest sibling Edmonda was the firstborn and younger brother Jack followed Evie 2 years later. Evie was raised with strong values that instilled dedication to family, God and friends. She was also raised with the understanding that education was of utmost importance. She often said, "Everything can be taken from you except your education." Evie attended high school away from the farming community in which she was raised in Lawrence and Wichita, Kansas. Following high school graduation she went to the University of Kansas. During college her first love was music. She was a gifted vocalist winning many awards for her singing. But Evie realized she could never make a living through her voice so she eventually earned her college degree in business. After college graduation she worked for 2 years as a civilian for the US Navy in the canal zone in Panama. She married John Etzel on November 18, 1950. Newly married, living in New York City and looking for a less hectic life they relocated to Portland, Oregon. A son, Peter William was born in 1953 and daughter Jackye Alyn was born in 1956. After the birth of her children Evie returned to college and earned her Masters Degree in Education. She began her career in teaching in 1968. She worked as a business education teacher at Clackamas High School for 19 years retiring in 1987. Evie had a thirst for knowledge and understanding other cultures. During her life she traveled all over the world including trips to China, Europe, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. Countless foreign exchange students were hosted in Evies home through the years. Evies heart truly was with her family. She needed very little in her life to be happy except for the love of her family and friends. For over 40 years Evie attended Sunnyside Community Church where she made many friends and was active in the church seniors group. Evie was well loved and loved well. She is survived by her son Peter and daughter Jackye, 4 grandchildren, Scott, Eric, Ricky and Nicole, her son-in-law, Jeffrey Doyle, her Japanese son, Toru Nakamura, many nieces and nephews and numerous friends. She will be missed by many. Evie was preceded in death by her parents Charles and Grace Mercer, husband John "Jack" Etzel and sister Edmonda Logue. A memorial will be held at Willamette National Cemetery where she will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband on December 20, 2013 at 2:00pm. A reception will follow at the home of her daughter following the service. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in memory of Evelyn Etzel to the North Clackamas Education Foundation, PO Box 595, Clackamas, OR 97015.

Service Information Graveside Service Friday December 20, 2013 2:00 PM Willamette National Cemetery Portland, Oregon