Evans, Helen L. (Roff)

EVANS, ROFF, BODINE

Posted By: Ernie Braida (email)
Date: 11/6/2009 at 11:47:36

Funeral services for Helen L. “Rainie” Evans of Grand Forks, N. D., were held on Monday, Oct. 12, 2009, at Bybee & Davis Funeral Home. Burial followed in Greenwood Cemetery. Honorary casket bearers included Jody Evans, Nicholas Sogard, Sabiah Sogard, Fred Stapleton, Larry Stapleton, Marilynne Stapleton, Bill Tomlin, Barbara Tomlin, Mike Evans, Gary Heaberlin, Gaylen Heaberlin and Romana Ross.

Helen “Rainie” Lorraine Evans, 87, passed away Oct. 7, 2009, at Valley Eldercare in Grand Forks, N. D.

Rainie was born June 6, 1922, in Knoxville, to Charles and Ramona (Bodine) Roff. She graduated from Knoxville High School, received a teaching degree from Pella College and a B.A. in teaching special education from Drake University.

She married Frank Ruford Evans in 1947 in Ft. Dodge. She spent 35 years of her life teaching and especially enjoyed the accomplishments of her special education students. For most of her teaching career she worked at Norwoodville Elementary School in Des Moines; where she was very involved in the community and the lives of her students and their families.

While there, she invented the “Blue Rose” parties for children with special needs. Rainie especially enjoyed entertaining. She liked games, bingo and even playing the nickel slots at casinos. She loved being with people and making them laugh. She occasionally wore costumes and would recite poems and tell imaginary stories complete with actions and facial expressions, just to see what reactions she could get.

In 1984, after Frank died, Rainie moved to East Grand Forks, Minn., to be with her daughter and share the lives of her grandchildren. During her time in EGF, she renewed her friendship with Arlo Turner and made many new friends.

She is survived by her children: Jody Evans and Stevie (David) Sogard, grandchildren: Nicholas Sogard and Sabiah (Alan) Sogard-Tocchio and several nieces and nephews.

Rainie was preceded in death by her husband, Frank R. Evans, daughter, Jardy Evans; and siblings: Ruby Stapleton, Velma Heaberlin and Leslie Roff.

Knoxville Journal-Express, Oct. 16, 2009R