Evelyn Kathryn Litsey, 94, of Cando, ND passed away on Sunday, March 6, 2011 at the Towner County Living Center in Cando.                   

Evelyn Shock was born July 29, 1916 in Zion Township west of Cando, the first born child of Thomas Francis Shock and Mary Katherine Phillips Shock.  She grew up in the Zion community and attended Hardwheat Country School where her future husband was a schoolmate.  She and Guy Ira Litsey married November 16, 1936.  Shortly thereafter, they settled in Cando spending their entire lives in the community raising their family of three and making everlasting friendships.

Evelyn was a lifelong member of the Church of the Brethren, undergoing the baptismal rite in 1933.  She enjoyed many years of camaraderie in the "Ladies Aid", attending faithfully until she no longer could manage the stairs. Evelyn was employed at Neumann Rexall drug from April of 1960 until she retired in September of 1991.  She loved her job!  She liked being with the public each day, and her paycheck covered shopping at the Style Shop.

In August of 2000, Evelyn and Guy moved from their home of 53 years on Third Avenue to the Prairie View Congregate Living Center.  When Guy died on August 11, 2001, Evelyn was grateful they had relocated, and she was now living among friends.  She moved to the Towner County Living Center in June 2008.

Big Grama-as she was called by the great grandchildren-was dearly loved and leaves us with many cherished memories.

Evelyn is survived by her three children: Ronald (Barbara) Litsey of Ashley, ND, Kathryn (Roger) Miller of Cando, ND and Beverly (David) Osborn of Lakeville, MN; ten grandchildren: Tim (Pam) Litsey of Esko, MN, Joe (Katie) Litsey of Mpls, MN, Ross (Kayla) Litsey of Ashley, ND, Carey (Ryan) Zunich of Detroit Lakes, MN, Tori (Glenn) Leitch of Willmar, MN, Roxy (Don) Shorma of Horace, ND, Marci (Dave) Glessner of Grand Forks, ND, RJ (Katie) Miller on Cando, ND, Jodi (Jeff) Hamill of Apple Valley, MN, Rocky (Jennifer) Osborn of Edina, MN; twenty eight great-grandchildren: Cole and Baylor Litsey, Ava Litsey, Ashleigh, Griffin, Ben and Brooklyn Leitch, Katie, Kylie, Charlie, Evie, Jesse, Betsy and Nate Shorma, Sophie, Lucy and John Glessner, Gabbie, Gavin and Gracie Miller, Rex and Paris Sanders, Austin and Tanner Hamill, Alex, Owen, Evan and Olivia Osborn; one sister: Eunice Johnson, Cando, ND; one brother: Sterling Shock; and four sisters-in-law: Lauralee Robeson, Vivian Johnson,  Betty Litsey and Peggy Overland. 

Along with her husband and parents Evelyn was preceded in death by a brother: Thor "Bobby" Shock; sister: Donna Gray; great grandson: Kyle Shorma and many sisters- and brothers-in law.

"Sing no sad songs for me. Just hug those you love a little tighter."

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 30, 2011, at 7:00 p.m. at Christian Fellowship Church in Cando, ND.

I have many fond memories of Evelyn when she lived at Prairie View and we visited in the evenings and shared either a cup of tea or hot chocolate.  She was a special lady and she will be missed by so many but she has gone to a far better place.  My deepest sympathy to you all and God bless!

Sharon Lilleberg

I have known Evelyn my whole life and she will be dearly missed.  She was a wonderful role model as a wonderful Sunday School teacher.

Donna Huschle

My prayers are with your family. Reading about Evelyn's life brought so many memories to me. God bless you.

Edie Armey

I have fond memories of Evelyn and Guy helping me with my geneology studies....They told me much I did not know as she knew my granparents Elsie and Mose Osborn who died before my birth..Also about My Dad and his brother Si(Vance)and his wife Alma. Was interesting which area families were related and how!!

God Bless her memory...

Judy Osborn Hammerstrom