Evelyn Marie Holmbeck

Evelyn Marie Holmbeck, 86 years old, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at her home in Grants Pass, surrounded by family. She was preceded in death by her husband, George William Holmbeck, brother, Floyd Mathews, and sister Lori Bird.

 Born April 18, 1938, in Salmon, Idaho, Evelyn, her brother, and her parents, Ronald and Verna Bird, moved to the Illinois Valley when she was a child. She graduated from Illinois Valley High School in 1956. That summer, this Homecoming Princess fell in love with a handsome cave guide named George while working at the Oregon Caves Chateau. They were married on May 26, 1957, in Cave Junction and soon moved to Grants Pass, where they started their family.

 Evelyn and George had seven children together. She is survived by her four daughters, Nancy McLaren (Mark) of Anchorage, Alaska, Ronda Janisch of Central Point, Kathi Holmbeck and Kristi Roe (Steve) both of Grants Pass; her three sons, William Holmbeck (Patti) of Medford, Bruce Holmbeck (Kim) of Pleasanton, California and Robert Holmbeck (Mary) of Central Point. Additionally, she is survived by three sisters, Karen Bryant, Christi Bird, and Koleena Reasons and one brother, John Bird. She was blessed with 19 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. One of Evelyn’s greatest joys was spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

 Evelyn actively participated in the Community Bible Series for 10 years where she grew in Christ and made many wonderful friends. She was a member of the Grants Pass Garden Club for several years, serving as hostess for monthly meetings. She didn’t care for gardening, but she loved looking at the flowers in her beautiful yard! Evelyn volunteered for over 20 years in her daughter’s elementary classroom, working on projects and reading with children. Throughout each year she would save little things and then in December, she would put together Christmas boxes for Samaritan’s Purse. An avid reader, Evelyn often visited the local library. She recently started sewing – making pillowcases and quilts for her family and a local charity. Services will be held at Hull & Hull Funeral Home on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. Private viewing is available from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. After the service, the family will have a private interment at Hawthorne Memorial Gardens.

 In lieu of flowers, Evelyn has requested remembrance gifts be made to Mid Rogue Foundation – Evan’s Place, PO Box 1972, Grants Pass, Oregon, 97528 or Special Olympics, Oregon – Josephine County, PO Box 276, Grants Pass, Oregon 97528.

Please share a memory of Evelyn in her guestbook.