Mary Ann Evens

Mary Ann Evens of Harrietta passed away November 28, 2023 at home. She was 87.

Mary Ann was born January 12, 1936 in Hoxeyville to Joseph and Marie (Jurik) Fortelka and they preceded her in death. On September 9, 1967 in Marilla she married Willard L. Evens and he preceded her in death on July 22, 2021.

Mary Ann graduated from Hoxeyville High School and worked at Caberfae and Garlett's Corners in the kitchen for many years before taking on the responsibilities of a farm wife. Over the years she perfected the skill of creating a delicious meal from seemingly nothing. She enjoyed gardening and canning with Willard, reading and was a master quilter. She was a member of the Manistee Victorian Quilters Guild and the Harrietta Quilt Club for many years. Mary Ann was proud of her Czechoslovakian heritage and baked kolache, poppy seed or nut bread and holska, passing on the tradition to her daughters. Music was also something Mary Ann enjoyed and she enjoyed dancing polka and waltz. With her husband Willard she enjoyed bus tours from coast to coast and up to Canada. They were also member of Farm Bureau for decades. Family was very important to Mary Ann and she was an avid sports fan supporting her children and grandchildren.

She is survived by children: Pat (Sherri) Long of Mesick, Deborah (Phil) Stanton of Mesick, Brenda (Ed) Thornton of Fostoria and Lisa (Jeff) Schiller of Thompsonville; 11 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Elaine Fortelka of Cadillac and brother-in-law, Leo Porter of Harrietta.

In addition to her parents and husband she was preceded in death by siblings: Paul Fortelka, Betty Porter and Carl (Betty) Fortelka and a daughter-in-law, Angela Long.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM, Saturday, December 2, 2023 at Peterson Funeral and Cremation Services in Cadillac with Pastor Jim Canfield officiating. Friends may meet the family Friday from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Sixteen Cemetery in Slagle Township, Wexford County.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Manistee Victorian Quilters Guild or the Harrietta Quilt Club. An online guestbook is available at www.petersonfh.com.