Marcella L. Evers, 84, a resident of the Forest Grove community, died Sunday morning, May 4, 2014 at her home.

Born the sixth child of August and Mary (Vandenberghe) De Clerck on July11, 1929 in Perham Minnesota, she was immediately baptized Marcella Leona Theresa in thanksgiving to God and St Therese of the Little Flower for the safe delivery. She was raised surrounded not only by her older siblings but many relatives. In April 1935, her family left the dairy farm in the hands of her newly, wed sister, Alfreda and Con Boogaard to work on uncle Amond's vegetable farm in Rochester NY. She returned to Butler Mn in Nov 1938 with her parents, brother Albert and sister Evelyn, where she continued school.

When her sister, Laura's husband, Bud LaDue was shipped out with the Marines during WW II she returned to New York to help care for two young nephews. Her schooling ended when she moved again, to live with her oldest sister, Alice, in Rochester NY. Alice had contracted polio and had three small children. She remained with Alice and her husband Albert Kircher caring for the family until 1947. The war over, her sister Evelyn with husband William Braukmann were headed for Oregon and they had invited her to join them. Ready for adventure she headed west to Verboort, Oregon. She continued to work as a caregiver, and became part of the Verboort Catholic Church community.

She met and was smitten by Ignatius (Nash) Evers. Deciding to get married and knowing the importance of family they headed to Minnesota. Nash's mom, Mary Evers was prompted by his aunt, Rose Hermans to join them for the ceremony. With many family attending they were married on Tuesday August 22, 1948. They then loaded up the new Kaiser , just purchased from the factory, and returned on their honeymoon. In addition to Mary and Rose, Marcella's mother, Mary, joined them in the Kaiser making for many exciting times as they traveled west through the Black Hills and Yellowstone National Parks. Later her parents, brother, and sister Freda's families also joined her and Evelyn to raise their families in Verboort.

Family and church continued an important part of Marcella and Ignatius's life. Working on his father's EVERMAY dairy farm, they rebuilt the "honeymoon shack" located on Hwy 47 for their first home and started a family. Their first child Linda died during birth but was followed by Sandra, Kellen and Cary. Marcie cared for her children, helped with the strawberry and other crops and was always ready to help others. In 1959 they moved to a 20 acre farm on Martin Rd and were subsequently blessed with Kevin and Shirley.

While Nash worked at Tektronix, planted his crops and continued to serve in the National Guard, Marcie handled the "home" life. Marcie instilled the importance of faith, family, education and hard work by living. She managed the harvesting of fruits and vegetables, tended the flock of chickens and canned enough for an army, yet always had time for school, 4H, and Future Farmers of America (FFA) activities... not only while her children were involved but for years beyond.

Along with many relatives and church members, Marcie and Nash used the ideals of the Catholic Order of Foresters (COF) as their community cornerstone. When their children were young she assisted with the youth Ranger program spending many hours on plays, programs and activities. She helped Nash set up a National Rifle Association Youth Marksmanship program giving untold hours so safety would be the priority while fun could be had at the same time. Both young and old smile as they recall COF summer picnics, Christmas parties with Santa and movie nights at "the hall". Marcie helped organize St Patrick Day and numerous other parade floats; fair booths; bazaars and farmer's markets, sharing her beliefs and the youth's songs well beyond the Verboort, Roy and Forest Grove area.

In 1984, when many were thinking of retirement, Marcie, Nash and their son, Cary met daily with others to pray and attend Mass for the children whose lives were ended by abortion. They continued the daily vigil no matter where they were, or what else had to be done, even when traveling. And travel they did do, both near and far. Marcie's green thumb provided flowers to many a shrine, church, nursing home and shut in...going farther they traveled aboard even making a pilgrimage.

Her home was always open to others. She may have had only five children, but you never would have known it by the level of activity at home. There were always children around, and always one more setting at the dinner table. Before each meal thanksgiving was given for all the blessings they had received. As the family grew and grandchildren appeared their home provided adventure and learning experiences galore. There was always a baby animal of some sort on the farm, trees to climb, fruits and vegetables to enjoy and plenty of love. There was no such thing as a spare bedroom. Marcie regularly offered her home to others always considering them family. Many called her mom and their children knew her and Nash as Grandma and Grandpa.

In addition to husband, and children Cary and Shirley from Forest Grove, Marcella has left behind eight grandchildren and, seven great-grandchildren: Sandy and Dave Scott's daughter, Teresa who is stationed in Japan with her husband Zachary Crampton and son Russell from Redmond WA; Kelly and Cheryl's son, Jeremy and Mary Jo Evers with their sons Evan and Aiden from Ontario, OR and daughter Krista with her husband Sean Rusaw and Adara and Cole from West Hartford CT; Kevin's son, Albert and Christina with Gunner, Isabella and Milania from Woodburn OR, daughter Amanda and her husband Quentin Biller from Castle Rock, WA, son Augustus from Hillsboro, OR and daughter Abigail from Gaston, plus many, many nieces and nephews, cousins and others who she adopted into her family.

If you are an Oregon registered voter please consider joining Marcie in saving the unborn by signing Oregon 2014 citizen's initiative to stop government funds for abortions. There will be petitions available at the reception or you may go to www.Oregon2014.org or call 541 497 485 to get a petition and more information.

If you wish to donate to Marcie's favorite charities please do so at:

Oregon Right to Life

4335 River Rd North

Salem, OR 97303

Our Lady of Peace Retreat House

3600 SW 170th Ave,

Beaverton, OR 97006