Evelyn Fewell
July 30, 1929 to July 19, 2021

Born in Crum Creek, Oklahoma a few months prior to the start of the Great Depression, Evelyn McFarland Fewell was the third of seven siblings whose family emigrated to the Central Valley of California along with thousands of others during the years of the Dust Bowl. The family eventually settled in Live Oak, California where Evelyn graduated from Live Oak High School in 1946. She was only 16 years old when she graduated and when she met her future husband, Ben Fewell, who was on leave from the military. They were married October 20, 1946, and spent the next several years attending college while raising five children.

Evelyn attended Humboldt State College (now Humboldt State University) and Chico State College (now Chico State University) majoring in elementary education. Her first teaching job was at Luther Elementary School in Live Oak. Soon after, the family returned to Humboldt County and Evelyn taught primary grades and reading at Fieldbrook Elementary School, Petrolia Elementary School, and Orick Elementary School, where she finished her teaching career as she reached retirement.

Evelyn was preceded in death by: her husband, Ben Fewell; her parents, Luther and Effie (LaBass) McFarland; siblings Louie (and his wife Nettie), Joe, Jerry, Norma Higgins (and her husband Bob), and Shirley Collins; nephew, Michael McFarland; nieces Connie Collins Zinn and Lynette Collins Filter. She is survived by: her children, Ben, Jr. (Deana), Carol Billings, Stephen, Karen Beals (Terry), and Cheryl Brown (Ron); 12 grandchildren,18 great grand-children, and three great-great grandchildren; her sister, Helen Kerns (Paul); sisters-in-law Wanda McFarland (Jerry), Margie McFarland (Joe), and brother-in-law Floyd Collins (Shirley); 13 nieces and nephews and countless others in the extended family.

Evelyn’s life was marked by perseverance, hard work, and duty, and built on a foundation of a desire to be of service to others. She would want it to be known how important her Christian faith was and how important the various churches she attended were, including Assemblies of God churches in Fortuna, Rio Dell, Live Oak, Dows Prairie, Arcata, and Trinidad, and North Fork Full Gospel Church in McKinleyville. She faithfully attended and participated in church life wherever she happened to live.

The family would like to extend thanks to Timber Ridge in McKinleyville where Evelyn lived the last few years, and to Hospice of Humboldt, which assisted during her last few months. We are also grateful that she was able to move to the home of her youngest daughter, Cheryl, who, with the help of her sister Karen, cared for Evelyn around the clock during her last few weeks. Evelyn died surrounded by loved ones. Her grave is located at Greenwood Cemetery in Arcata.

Each life intersects and affects others. As a teacher of young children for more than 30 years, Evelyn’s life affected many beyond her immediate family. In lieu of flowers to honor her life, may we suggest a contribution to your favorite charity, a stint of volunteer work, or helping with needs at your neighborhood school. And whenever you hear this song, one of her favorites, remember Evelyn and a life well lived.

If I Can Help Somebody

If I can help somebody, as I travel along If I can help somebody, with a word or song If I can help somebody, from doing wrong Then, my living shall not be in vain

If I can do my duty as a Christian oft, If I can bring back beauty to a world up wrought, If I can spread love’s message that the Master taught, Then my living shall not be in vain!

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