Evelyn Lorene Lais was born on Christmas Day, 1927, in Hubbard, Ore., joining 13 other siblings in the Lais family.

On Dec. 25, 1947, she married Paul Birky, then moved to the Flathead Valley. Together they raised seven children on a small farm in the Birch Grove community.

Evelyn enjoyed her dog, knitting, gardening, walking, reading, long drives and classical music, and while she was able, she seldom missed her sons’ softball games or drag races in Anaconda. She loved and was loved by her family, and was a wonderful mother and grandmother.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul, in 1992; also by 10 sisters and two brothers.

She is survived by two sisters, Francis Hoover of Indiana, and Vera Garber of Hubbard; and her seven children, Dan and Donna Birky of Sugarcreek, Ohio, Jane and John Stutzman of Kalispell, Donna Allen of Kalispell, Frank and Myra Birky of Kalispell, Brian and Rita Birky of Missoula, Linda Birky of Towner, N.D., and Luke and Cathy Birky of Willow Spring, N.C.; 16 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

On Sept. 15, 2014, Evelyn passed peacefully at her home with her beloved dog and family near.

“We find peace knowing she is in God’s presence, strolling the streets of Heaven.”

A graveside service will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 27 at the Fairview Cemetery. A time of celebration and fellowship will follow at the Mountain View Mennonite Church. All who knew and loved Evelyn are encouraged to attend.