Ileana Evans

1926 - 2015

Ileana Marie Ducote` Evans , 88, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2015, at her apartment at MorningStar in Idaho Falls. After 26 years, she was reunited with the love of her entire life, Ned Morrison Evans.

Ileana was born in Mansura, La., on Dec. 30, 1926, the daughter of Hanning and Eudolie Ducote`. She was the middle child of seven children. She grew up on the family cotton farm, where she learned hard work which later contributed to her very strong work ethic. It carried her all through her life.

She graduated from high school, where she was a gifted athlete involved in volleyball, basketball, track and softball. She declined a scholarship and moved to New Orleans, La., to take a job as a telephone operator. She did this because she also wanted to volunteer for the World War II war effort. It was at that time she would meet her future husband, Ned, who was stationed in New Orleans with the U.S. Navy. They were married Nov. 22, 1945, in New Orleans. Ned was shipped out of New Orleans to the Invasion of Normandy at Omaha Beach.

Ned was injured in the war after his ship was torpedoed. He was transported to a New York Naval Hospital for surgery and recovery. Ned and Ileana corresponded and eventfully Ned returned to Louisiana to marry "his little Frenchie." They returned to Ned's boyhood home in Robin, Idaho. She became a baptized member of the LDS church. They moved to Pocatello, Idaho, and began their family. They raised five children, three daughters and two sons.

The family loved camping, hunting and fishing. Eventually, they moved from Pocatello to Firth, Idaho, and later to Idaho Falls. Ned passed away in 1989.

Ileana was preceded in death by her husband, Ned; two brothers, Warren Ducote` and Vernon Ducote`; her precious grandson, Nathan Ned Fries`; and a loving daughter-in-law, Suzanne Evans.

Ileana is survived by her five children, Sheryl (Robert) Baker, Gary Evans, Bonnie (Bruce) Waldrum, Darla (Michael) Fries`, and A.J. (Randee) Evans. She had many grand and great-grandchildren, loving and adoring all of them. She also leaves behind a loving cat, "Miss Kitty." She will be so very missed!

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, at Manning-Wheatley Funeral Chapel, 510 N. 12th Ave., Pocatello. The family will receive friends one hour prior to services. Interment will be in Mountain View Cemetery, 1520 S. 5th Ave., Pocatello.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Manning-Wheatley Funeral Chapel.

Visit online www.manningwheatleyfuneralchapel.com.