She was born on Aug. 28, 1938 in Modesto, Calif., to Sherman and Opal Goad Whitbeck. Evelyn was raised in California until the early 1950s when her family moved to Hood River. She married Walter E. “Walt” Gerard Sr. on Dec. 1, 1955 in Stevenson, Wash. They moved to Irrigon in 1974 where they have lived since. Evelyn worked for Gourmet Brands in Boardman for ninr years. She enjoyed gardening, watching her son race stock cars, and cherished her time with her family.
She is survived by her husband, Walt Gerard, Irrigon; son, Walter Gerard Jr., Irrigon; brothers, Monte Whitbeck, Hermiston, Jerry Whitbeck, The Dalles; sister, Peggy Bell, St. Helens; grandchildren, Jeremy, Rocky, Tiffany, and Jasmine; great grandchildren, Hunter, Maylee, and Jade; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Delma Gerard; son, Roger Gerard; and brothers, Teddy and Roger Whitbeck.
Those who wish may make contributions in Evelyn’s memory to the American Cancer Society.
A graveside funeral service will be held on Thursday, May 7, 2015 at 10 a.m. at Desert Lawn Memorial Cemetery in Irrigon.
Please sign the online guest book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
