Evelyn Mothershead

Evelyn Mothershead (Thieman) was born in Puyallup, Washington on January 18, 1939 and passed away peacefully on May 6, 2025.

She was the fourth daughter born to Ray and Helen Thieman. Her sisters were Inez J. Coyne, Ina Smith, and Louise Cope. Her family resided on a 40-acre farm located between Buckley and Bonney Lake, Washington.

As a young girl, she developed skills in baking and cooking. She was a member of the Kelley Lake 4-H Club, which helped her further cultivate her culinary talents. She was also a 70+ year member of the Marion Grange #276 and a lifelong member of The Guiding Star, Order of the Eastern Star.

She began her education at the two-room Kelley Lake Elementary School. In third grade, she transferred to Wickersham Elementary School in Buckley, Washington.

When she was just 15 years old, she met the love of her life, Elbert M. (Mel) Mothershead. After graduating from White River High School, they were married on June 1, 1957, in the original First Christian Church in Sumner, Washington. They were married for 65 and a half years until his passing on December 10, 2022.

Evelyn spent most of her adult life working in the insurance industry, earning her property and casualty agent’s license in both Washington and Oregon. It was a fitting career for her, as her husband Mel advanced through the corporate ranks at J.C. Penney Co. His job required several relocations, and experienced insurance professionals were always in demand wherever they moved.

Evelyn was predeceased by her beloved husband, Mel, and their children, Deborah and Douglas Mothershead; her parents, Raymond and Helen Thieman; her sisters, Inez Coyne and Ina Smith; her in-laws, Sylvia and Elbert Mothershead; and brothers-in-law, Jesse Mothershead, Richard Mothershead, William Mothershead, Raymond Coyne, and Dave Smith.

She is survived by her grandsons, Christopher Mothershead (Lindsey) and Aaron Mothershead (Jessi), and her great-grandchildren, Kendall, Kameron, Maizie, and Easton. She is also survived by her sister, Louise Cope (Lee); her sisters-in-law, Ethel Allen (John), Edna Coonc, and Charlotte Mothershead; as well as an extended family of cousins, nieces, nephews, and their families.

Evelyn’s love for her family and friends knew no bounds, and she leaves behind a legacy of loyalty, quiet strength, unwavering dedication, and resilience—a proud and steadfast presence whose impact will be felt for generations to come.

A graveside service will be held on May 13, 2025 at The Buckley Cemetery at 10:00am with a reception to follow at Weeks Funeral Home.