Evelyn Boyer

– Evelyn Hughes Boyer, 92, of Frenchtown, passed away Thursday evening, Jan. 30, 2014, at St. Patrick Hospital with family at her side.

She was born May 20, 1921, in Butte to Elma Miller and William J. Hughes.

Evelyn attended grade and high school in Butte. While in high school, she moved to a ranch in Arlee with her mother and stepfather, Roy Erickson. There she met and married Joseph N. Boyer and they settled in the Frenchtown Valley, where they ranched and lived for some 65 years until Joe's passing in September 2002. Evelyn continued living on their ranch, near her son, until her passing.

Her husband Joe served on the board of trustees of the Missoula Electric Cooperative for nearly 30 years. Together they enjoyed traveling and meeting new people who also attended these meetings.

Evelyn loved all kinds of dancing, including square dancing. As a child, she performed tap-dancing routines at the Swedish Lodge in Butte that her parents attended. She and Joe were both good dancers and belonged to the Elks, Moose, and Eagles lodges where they danced many a night away with friends. She loved to ice skate and roller skate. She enjoyed swimming and trips to Fairmont Hot Springs were special. She also bowled on a league with two of her daughters. Reading, playing cards, music and movies were also dear to her.

Evelyn always looked forward to the trip to Flathead Lake for cherries every July. She would often share stories of her fond memories of Butte, which included the former Columbia Gardens. Evelyn enjoyed many road trips for Butte's famous Pasties and candy at Sheperd's Candy Shop. So be sure to think of her whenever you go through Butte and are enjoying their wonderful homemade candy (at 2405 Harrison Ave.)!

After her family was mostly grown, she worked at St. Pat's for a few years as a Ward Clerk for Sister Damien on 3 West, then spent several years as a Postal Clerk at the Frenchtown Post Office. She always enjoyed helping out at her brother's grocery store in Missoula, and several times served as an Election Judge in Frenchtown.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her husband Joe; two brothers, William Patrick Hughes and Elmer "Pete" Peterson and son-in-law Jim Parker.

She is survived by her four children, son Joe W. Boyer (Lisa Stelling) of Frenchtown and three daughters, Dona Felstet (Duane) of Frenchtown, Karen Parker of Surprise, Ariz., and Lisa Boyer of Las Vegas, Nev.

She was affectionately known as "Mimi" to her 10 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Grandchildren, Luanne Felstet, Loreen Felstet, Brad Parker, Randy Parker, Joe F. Boyer, Gina Barnett, Wendy Herrera, Stefanie Boyer, Emery Boyer and Cody Boyer-Riesenbeck; 13 great-grandchildren, Dyllon, Colten and Brianna Parker, Rachel and Max Parker, Sabrina and Haley Boyer, Amber, Ryan, Daryl and Kristen Zahn, Tyler Weaver and Crystal Cain; plus one great-great-grandbaby, 1-year-old Maverick.

Special remembrance to those who brightened her day for so many years: her devoted caregiver, Anita Hansen; her mail lady, Ann Talalotu, and her pinochle friend, Harry Bandy.

She leaves behind her beloved, faithful german shepherd, Bella.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial service is being planned for May to celebrate her life. A notice with details will appear before that time.

If you wish to do a memorial in Evelyn's name, please consider AniMeals at 1700 Rankin in Missoula or a charity of your choice
Read Evelyn Boyer's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.