Gwena (Gravett) Evers

Gwena Marie Evers was born September 5, 1941 in Bakersfield, California the 3rd of 4 children to Glenn & Marie Chambers. She grew up poor and in very humble surroundings. She had her first child by the age of 16. By the age of 23 she would become a devoted single mother of 3 children to feed, clothe and protect. She would go on to work two full-time jobs and one part-time to accomplish this.

In 1969 she married Ronald Gravett, the love of her life and they were inseparable for 22 wonderful years. They met in Long Beach, California where Ronnie worked as a general contractor. During those years, Gwena suffered with back problems and had three back surgeries, yet through it all led a very productive life and fulfilling marriage. In 1973 the family moved from California to Grants Pass, Oregon. It was here they both gave their hearts to their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She was very active in the children’s ministry at First Assembly of God for several years until they relocated to Anchorage, Alaska for work opportunities in 1983. Ronnie continued in construction and Gwena was hired as an administrative assistant and bookkeeper for the food services department at the University of Alaska. Together, they loved the outdoors, camping, fishing, digging for clams and sightseeing. In December 1991 the marriage was cut short when Ronnie passed away of lymphoma.

After Ronnie’s passing, Gwena became active in Griefshare, a grief support group at Anchorage Assembly of God, where she met Earl Evers and once again fell in love. They were married in 1995. Gwena and Earl retired in 2005 and moved from Alaska to Grants Pass to a little piece of Heaven they both called home. They traveled many times to the Oregon coast, up and down the Alaska/Canada Highway; and many of the western states in their motorhome. Earl & Gwena were very active in church activities, instrumental in starting and facilitating the Griefshare group at Parkway Christian Center, as well as various Bible studies, groups and discipleship training.

Gwena had a very loving spirit and warm heart; and shined the light of God’s love to so many young and old, it is impossible for us to estimate the far-reaching impact her life has had.

Gwena was also an avid quilter and won many ribbons for her entries at local events. She was a member of Mountain Stars Quilt Guild and Piecemakers. She loved having her friends over to her quilt room for sew days and enjoyed attending quilting retreats at Diamond Lake.

Survivors include her husband, Earl H. Evers of Grants Pass, Oregon; children, Howard E. Miller and wife Karen of Las Vegas, Nevada, William (Billy) F. Miller of Wasilla, Alaska, and Tina M. Hause and husband Anthony of Grants Pass; stepchildren, Scott & Karen Evers of Anchorage, Alaska, Tammy & Kevin Patton of Maple Valley, Washington and Mark & Beverly Evers of Hurricane, Utah; a sister-in-law, Elaine Chambers of Grants Pass, Oregon; four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald Gravett; her parents; and three brothers, Ronald Chambers, Robert (Bobby) Chambers and Dwaine Chambers.

A memorial service will be at 2:30 p.m., Tuesday, February 6, 2018 at Parkway Christian Center. Private interment will be at Hawthorne Memorial Gardens.

Donations in her memory may be made to Royal Family Kids, c/o Parkway Christian Center, 229 NE Beacon Drive, Grants Pass, Oregon 97526.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
2 Timothy 4:7-8