Evelyn Joyce (Throop) Adams
January 3, 1933 - January 20, 2025

Evelyn Joyce Adams passed away peacefully at Sequoia Springs Assisted Living surrounded by family. She was born in Maricopa, Calif. and was the youngest and last surviving child of Lewis and Lucia (Bowlden) Throop. She grew up in the Taft/Maricopa area attending local schools until her senior year. She graduated in 1951 from Technical High School in St. Cloud, Minnesota. At a local dance she met Clarence (Clancy) Adams. They were married in 1951 and spent the next 69 years together until his passing on March 4, 2020.

Their first home together was in San Luis Obispo, where Clancy was employed by the Southern Pacific Railroad. In 1952 her first child, Richard, was born followed by her second child, Martin, two years later. In 1954 Clancy was transferred to the railroad in Roseville. Paul, her third son was born while living in Roseville completing her family of all boys.

She was a devoted wife and mother as well as a meticulous housekeeper. Her home was always “company ready.” In 1961 Clancy entered the California Highway Patrol Academy in Sacramento. Evelyn became both mother and father to three rambunctious boys during the week as Clancy was only home on the weekends. Upon Clancy’s graduation he accepted a position in Ventura and the family moved. In 1965, after a family vacation to Northern California, they decided it was time to get out of the city life and Clancy accepted a position with the CHP in Eureka. One last move for the family and Ferndale became their forever home.

After her sons were well in to school Evelyn took a bookkeeper positon at Dedini Appliance Store. After the store closed she went to work at Lentz Department Store. There she became lifelong friends with the owners Bernice Petersen, Polly and Dale Stemwedel.

Upon retirement she and Clancy traveled extensively in various campers, travel trailers and eventually a motorhome. When Dad’s eyesight failed, she became the driver of the six-speed diesel pickup pulling the trailer. They took an Amtrak train across the U.S. to Washington D.C. returning through Oklahoma and then back to California. They often traveled with their much loved friends Phoebe and Rex Bardin making several trips to Death Valley and Alaska, two of their most favorite places.

Evelyn was a member of the Assumption Catholic Church in Ferndale. She enjoyed gardening, reading and was a past volunteer hostess at the Ferndale Repertory Theatre.

Evelyn was predeceased by her parents, her brothers Ralph Throop, Harold Throop, Melvin Throop and her sister Elizabeth (Betty) Fergusen, her husband Clarence (Clancy) Adams and her daughter in law, Annette Adams.

She is survived by sons Richard (Jackie) Adams, Martin (Margaret) Adams, and Paul Adams, her grandchildren Josh (Kari) Adams, Adrianne Adams, Megan (Mike) Collenberg, Erin Adams-Wishneff, Allison (Jeff) Griffith, Damien (Brittney) Adams, Melissa (Steven) Melis, her great grandchildren Madilyn, Mallery, Clancy, Addison, Taylor, Hailey, Lane, Garret, Colin, Julianna and Ava, her godchild Stacie Molyneaux and daughters-in-law Vinci Adams, Kim Adams and Marie Adams.

Funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. on February 8, 2025 at the Assumption Catholic Church, Ferndale. She will be laid to rest in the Ferndale Cemetery along with her beloved Clancy. Please join us for a luncheon to follow at the Ferndale City Hall. Donations in Evelyn’s memory can be made to the Ferndale Fire Department or a charity of your choice.

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