Evelyn Marie Stiltz

1924 - 2020

Evelyn Marie Stiltz

Three Rivers -

Evelyn Marie Stiltz was born September 2, 1924 to Manuel Borba and Pansy Blossom Cahoon, in Porterville, California. Evelyn passed away peacefully in her home, in her favorite chair on January 22, 2020 at the age of 95. She was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Irving Lee Stiltz, her brother Melvin Borba, her sister Muriel Kenwood, her son James Earl Grindle of Colorado, and her great grandson Richard Tyler Deitz of Woodlake.

She is survived by four children, Kathleen Bohl (Kevin) of Three Rivers, Nancy Crawford (Paul) of Woodlake, Kirk Stiltz of Three Rivers and Julie Olson (David) of Sonora. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren, Craig, Chad, Barbie, Heidi, Carie, Ben, Nick, Katie, Will, April, Brooks, Scott, and Mindy, 15 great- grandchildren and 3 great- great -grandchildren.

Evelyn was raised on a ranch on the South Fork, in Three Rivers. Her family were Three Rivers settlers and pioneers, she was related to the Blossoms, the Cahoons, the Cloughs, the Maxons, and the Busbys. She attended grammar school in Three Rivers, Springville and Hanford. She attended high school and graduated from Hanford High school. She married William Grindle and had 2 children, James and Kathleen, they settled in Selma, California where they owned and operated Blocklite Company. They were divorced and Evelyn moved back to Three Rivers with her 2 children. Evelyn then married the love of her life, Irving Lee Stiltz and had 3 more children, Nancy, Kirk and Julie. Lee worked for Sequoia National Park and they spent most of their married life working and raising their five children in Lodge Pole, Ash Mountain and Three Rivers. They also lived in Lassen Volcanic National Park for a short time.

Evelyn was a member of the Three Rivers Lady Lions, The Federation of Woman's Social Club, and a lifetime and honorary member of the Three Rivers Woman's Club. She was a member of the California Association of Porcelain Painters, High Sierra Jazz Club, PTA and a 4H leader. All throughout her life Evelyn had a passion for art. She accomplished many styles of painting, including oils, pastels and watercolors, however she is best known for her porcelain creations. Evelyn traveled to Russia with her porcelain club and that became one of her favorite memories. Her hand painted gifts to her children, grandchildren and friends are their most cherished mementos. Evelyn's other hobbies included playing golf, crocheting, playing cards, solving cross word and jigsaw puzzles,

she loved watching old movies on TV, reading and spending time with her children and grandchildren. She was especially excited when she got to spend time with her great- great-grandsons.

In her younger years Evelyn held several jobs, she worked for the Sequoia National Park Service, the Three Rivers Market, The Noisy Water Café, The Gateway Restaurant, and The Three Rivers Golf Course. Evelyn and

a best friend ran a catering service and she became an accomplished cake decorator. The family moved from the park to their home on Salt Creek Drive, and after Lee retired they traveled all over the states in their fifth wheel with their beloved dog Heidi. Evelyn spent her later years enjoying her friends and family. She delighted in watching the wild animals and birds in her yard and knew most of them by name.

Evelyn was truly a beautiful woman, of great strength and energy, of deep love and respect, she was an inspiration to everyone she touched. Evelyn was a one of a kind lady, the best mom, wife and grandmother. She leaves a wonderful legacy of life and a beautiful example of how to live life her way. Our family was so blessed to share her life for 95 years. She will be terribly missed by everyone who knew and loved her.

A Celebration of Evelyn's life with a lunch reception will be held on Friday, February 21, 11:00 AM at St. Anthony's Retreat Center, 43816 Sierra Drive, Three Rivers. A memorial tribute may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.