Jennie Marie Eva Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Jennie Marie Gustafson Eva “Grannie” went peacefully at her home on February 8, 2021 at the age of 85. Jennie was born on July 30, 1935 to Elmer and Marie Gustafson in Butte, Montana. She attended Emerson Elementary and Butte High School. She married Walter Ray Eva in Butte in 1952. They welcomed children Donald Raymond in 1952 and Deborah Graham in 1954. Together they enjoyed watching their children compete in dog trials, raise horses, play football and dance for the Purple B’s of Butte High School. Ray passed away in 1987, and Jennie realized how short life was. Thus, it became her mission to live life to the fullest. Jennie worked at Schiff Shoes, Gamer’s Shoes, and finished her career at Town Pump Corporate Office as an Administrative Assistant where she worked for 36 years and retired at 81 years of age. She was an avid traveler, traveling to New Zealand, Hawaii, China, Ireland, Italy, and Nashville to name a few. She loved dancing from a young age and loved performing with “The Strikettes” and cherished all the friendships she made along the way. No team roping was complete without Jennie bringing lunch. There was no macaroni salad like hers and nothing like hanging out after eating that salad and just being in her presence. How lucky were we? She was a common fixture at 4-H events, rodeos, team roping, football, volleyball, basketball, baseball games, wrestling matches, dances, and plays. In general, wherever her family was, so was she. It was never a question of if she would be there, but rather what time she’d arrive. She ran the wheels off multiple cars to be with her family in all their endeavors. A quote by which she lived was “Be humble, be teachable, and always keep learning”. She was never afraid of growth, learning, travel, or dancing. She was life in motion. I don’t know if anyone, except maybe Mr. Fiske, knows the number of adult education classes she took about Butte and Montana. Really these classes were about living and enjoying all life has to offer. She wasn’t afraid to dress in character, play that character, and put herself out in front of God and everyone to see. She was fearless. She was humble. She believed in the idea that “Life is not measured by the breaths you take, but by the moments that take our breath away”. Jennie often quoted the poem “The Dash” by Linda Ellis. This poem speaks to the dates on tombstones from the beginning to the end. But what mattered most of all was the dash between those years. This dash represents all the time spent alive on earth and what was most important. Jennie’s dash was significant. She lived life on her terms, leaving an impact on everyone she came across; leaving people with a lasting impression of what love is and should be. The poem ends with asking the question "would you be proud of the things they say about how you lived your dash?" No person could be prouder of her dash than Jennie Eva. To all who knew and loved her: continue to live by one of her favorite quotes: “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift, be sure to treat it that way”. Jennie Eva was preceded in death by her parents, half-brother George Pierce, and husband Ray Eva. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Don and Patty Eva of Townsend, daughter and son-in-law, Debbie and Tom Graham of Divide, grandchildren, Melissa “Charlie” and Bob Sampson, Jennifer Shearer, Shawn and Robin Graham, Rae and Jeremy Smith and Ed Graham, great-grandchildren, Holden and Raelee Sampson, Sophia Shearer, Dylan and Cole Graham and Henry Smith. Also surviving are her sister and brother-in-law, Beverly and Todd Brothers of Butte, her brother and sister-in-law, Hubey and Evelyn Warren of Elko, Nevada and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins whom she loved dearly. Cremation has taken place. Memorial services will be conducted Thursday, February 18th at 1 PM in Wayrynen-Richards Funeral Home with Pastor Sarah Schilcher officiating. Entombment of ashes will follow in Heavenly Rest Mausoleum in Mountain View Cemetery. Those attending are asked to observe all CDC Covid-19 precautions and face masks will be required. Those wishing to attend her service via ZOOM may do so at this link: https://zoom.us/j/92503433454?pwd=OHc0SkRxRWNUM1B5RDBndXMwcWRPZz09

Tributes

Jennie Marie Eva

July 30, 1935 - February 7, 2021