Evelyn Jean Sakach was born on August 16, 1938, in Cranesville, Pennsylvania, to Steve and Helen Sakach. As the firstborn of eight children, she grew up with a strong sense of responsibility, faith, and love for family. On April 4, 2026, Evelyn peacefully entered eternity, leaving behind a beautiful legacy of faith, devotion, hard work, and heartfelt hospitality.

In her youth, Evelyn played the pump organ at church—where she also met a young Marine who would capture her heart. That meeting marked the beginning of two lifelong loves: music and the man who would become her husband. She married her beloved, Donald Eli Stumetz, on October 9, 1955, and together they built a life centered on faith, family, and shared purpose.

Side by side, Evelyn and Don worked tirelessly to grow their dry-cleaning business into a thriving, family-owned enterprise. Evelyn wore many hats with grace and diligence—serving as seamstress, final inspector, bookkeeper, and the welcoming face at the front counter—all while lovingly raising their five children.

Faith was the cornerstone of Evelyn’s life. A devoted member of the Apostolic Christian Church, she played an instrumental role in helping establish the Pine Valley Retreat in California, a cherished gathering that continues each Memorial Day. She had a deep love for God’s Word, faithfully reading her Bible until its pages bore the marks of years well-used. She also committed many scriptures to memory, carrying them in her heart throughout her life.

Evelyn found joy in both simple pleasures and meaningful traditions. She was an avid newspaper reader who delighted in clipping and collecting comic strips. She loved music beyond the church as well, often enjoying Sunday afternoons at the Spreckels Organ concerts in Balboa Park. Her hands were rarely still—she enjoyed sewing, knitting and crocheting, creating items that reflected both her skill and her care for others.

She expressed her love in countless thoughtful ways. She faithfully sent birthday cards to family and friends—so often that the clerks at her local Hallmark store knew her by name. Her kitchen was a place of warmth and comfort, where her French apple pie and homemade macaroni and cheese became family favorites. Above all, Evelyn was a devoted wife, a nurturing mother, and a deeply loving grandmother and great-grandmother.

Traveling was another of Evelyn’s passions. She and Don enjoyed seeing the sights together, with Hawaii holding a special place in her heart. Their travels took them as far as Brazil, where Don had the opportunity to help officiate a wedding for a family friend. In retirement, Evelyn especially treasured time spent with longtime friends and family—playing games, touring, and creating lasting memories together.

Evelyn and Don shared more than 70 years of marriage—a remarkable testament to their enduring love and steadfast commitment, rooted in their shared faith in Christ.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Don. She is lovingly remembered by her sisters, Phyllis (Ray) Pack and Fern (Joel) Boleratz; her children, Dana Smick (Joel Thomas), Tim (Beth) Stumetz, Steve (Tara) Stumetz, Paula (Steve) Dougherty, and Scott (Patti) Stumetz; as well as 17 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren who were blessed by her life and love.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at Windsong Memory Care in Kennewick for their attentive and loving care during Evelyn’s final season of life.

Evelyn’s life was a testimony to her unwavering faith, her devotion to family, and the joy she found in serving others. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished. As Scripture reminds us, she “fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7).