Evelyn Matilda Desormeaux Jarvis, 85, died peacefully attended by her two sons at her home in Austin, Minnesota, on Sunday, Nov. 29, 2015.

The oldest of four children, Evelyn was born at her childhood home in Barbeau, Michigan, to Laura E. Penn Desormeaux and Stanislaus (Tannis) L. Desormeaux. When Evelyn was 7, her family relocated to Charlottesville, Virginia, where Evelyn lived until she was 18 years old. Evelyn returned to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan in 1948, where she worked as a drug store clerk. In 1949, Evelyn met Richard Allen Jarvis, a private in the U.S. Army, while he was stationed at the locks in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Richard and Evelyn were married Oct. 14, 1950, in Sault Ste. Marie.

Evelyn relished her role as a homemaker. She was a devoted daughter, sister, wife and mother while working full-time in industries related to automobile manufacturing. Evelyn was an accomplished seamstress, often making clothes for the entire family. She was skilled at both knitting and crochet. Evelyn enjoyed baking breads, pies and cookies, especially around the holidays. She learned from her mother to make jams, jellies and juices and how to can fruits and vegetables. Accompanied by her husband Richard, Evelyn was active in bowling and archery leagues. When it was time to retire, Richard and Evelyn chose Punta Gorda, Florida, where they lived for several years before relocating to Austin, Minnesota, to be closer to Richard’s family.

Evelyn is survived by her three children whom she loved deeply: Richard David (Becky) Jarvis of Indianola, Iowa, Teresa Ann (Joseph Pedagno, deceased) West of Pittsboro, North Carolina, Wayne Allen Jarvis of Roseville, Michigan; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Evelyn is predeceased by her husband Richard Allen Jarvis, 2012; sister Bernice K. Libby, 1971; brother Tannis Joseph Desormeaux, 1932 (at birth); brother Sonny Tannis Richard Desormeaux, 1987; sister Lulabelle K. Wilson, 2015.

Evelyn was a much beloved and cherished member of our family who dispersed love and kindness all the days of her life.

The family plans a private service and interment in May 2016 at Grandview Cemetery. The family is assisted by Worlein Funeral Home of Austin, www.worlein.com, to whom we extend our sincere appreciation.

Memorials for Evelyn may be made to the Mayo Clinic Health System — Austin Hospice at 1000 First Drive NW Austin, MN 55912, or the Wounded Warrior Project, www.woundedwarriorproject.org or Autism Speaks, www.autismspeaks.org or to a charitable organization of your choice.