EVELYN GRIFFITH-NATT
“Grammy Bugs”

Evelyn Griffith Natt, affectionately embraced as “Grammy Bugs,” passed away peacefully on December 27, 2022 at the age of 82, surrounded by her immediate family and dearest of loved ones. Just as in life, Grammy Bugs departed in her own way, on her own time, and with the utmost grace and dignity. A proud member of the Yurok Tribe and descendant of the Karuk Tribe, and an especially cherished tribal elder and life-long resident of Humboldt County-Pecwan, Hoopa Valley, and Westhaven-Trinidad.

Evelyn was born on May 10, 1940 on the Hoopa Indian Reservation. She attended grade school on the Yurok Indian Reservation, Hoopa Valley High School and briefly pursued clinical nursing in Riverside before relocating back to the Hoopa Indian Reservation to care for her baby sister, Gloria.

It would be caregiving, her faith in God, and teachings of unconditional LOVE that would prove to be Grammy’s greatest “life-ministry.” Grammy Bugs was the most compassionate of caregivers and provided hospice care and end of life in-home care to countless Humboldt County Residents both Native and non-Native, including many tribal elders from the Yurok Tribe, Hoopa Tribe, Karuk Tribe, Bear River Rancheria, Trinidad Rancheria, Wailaki and retired HSU professors, retired physicians, attorneys and so many others. She often shared that her caregiving nature came early on when she was tasked as a young lady, with baby-sitting the son of Wayne Bare Truckin- Gary Bare, back in the day, as she put it. In fact, Grandmother’s love and advocacy for children was the passion nearest and dearest to her heart. After raising her own children, Grammy Bugs would go on to nurture-mother-parent-foster countless grandchildren, great-grandchildren and tribal foster youth, and was always a strong voice and advocate for protecting our Indian dhildren from trauma.

Evelyn is survived by her two remaining children, Hector Natt of Crescent City and Dawn Valerie Natt of McKinleyville and the three Grandchildren she raised as her own — Allen Don McCloskey of Trinidad, Tasha Jimenez of McKinleyville and Donovan Natt of Crescent City — and her many other grandchildren, great- and great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her son Don “G.T.” Natt, her daughter Flo Natt, Mother Lucinda Joe Griffith, father Earl Griffith Sr., brother “Hunchie”, sister Delores A. Moon.

Visitation and services shall be held at Paul’s Chapel, 1070 H Street in Arcata on Friday, January 6, 2023, from 11 to 1 p.m., directly followed by services at 1 to 3 p.m. with the Rev. Sondra Duff officiating. Honorary bearers will be: Hector W. Natt Sr., Allen Don McCloskey, Donovan W. Natt, Bronson Moon Sr., Jose Ramirez, Donte Lamberson-Natt, Richard McCovey II, Javier Ramirez, Jimmy Moon, Patrick Jimenez, Kellie Shaner, Allen Lane McCloskey, Hector W. Natt Jr., Damien Natt, Donovan W. Natt Jr., Cameron Cox, Earl Moon Sr., Eugene Masten, Michael Masten, Kevin Lockhart, and Leo Carpenter.

A reception and celebration of life will be hosted by the Yurok Tribe and the family at the Arcata Community Center, 321 Dr. Martin Luther King. Jr., Parkway Arcata, directly following services. Everyone is encouraged to bring potluck items and their stories of Grammy Bugs as we want it to be a time of sharing and celebration of such a strong Native woman.

The family would like to express their deepest appreciation to the Yurok Tribe, Hospice of Humboldt, Dawn V. Natt (Caregiver), City of Arcata Parks and Recreation and the entire team of caregivers that have been a part of grandmother’s journey. We thank you all for you love and support. May the Lord bless you and keep you for your graciousness.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Evelyn Natt’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.