Dorothy Anna was born on Nov. 20, 1928, in Burns, one of four children of Marc “Sandy” and Leona (Winton) Anderson. She grew up in Burns, and after graduating with the Burns High School class of 1945 she attended the University of Oregon where she earned a bachelor’s degree in education. 

While at the University she met John “Jack” William Evans and on June 17, 1951 they were married in Burns. They lived briefly in Seattle, while Jack finished his education. They made their home in Hermiston, where Dorothy taught elementary school. In 1956 they moved to La Grande when Jack was hired as an English professor and assistant Librarian at Eastern Oregon College. Dorothy was a homemaker for several years prior to her career as Librarian at the La Grande Public Library.

Dorothy was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and PEO sisterhood. She enjoyed sewing, knitting, traveling, and bird watching. She was an avid reader of mysteries, and she enjoyed playing bridge. Dorothy was an empathetic, caring, and nurturing individual who loved people and animals. She enjoyed baking, and her family always loved her bread, pies, and cupcakes. She and Jack were avid antique collectors, and they maintained an interest in geneaology, tracing the family ancestry back to the 1500’s. 

Dorothy passed away on Monday, April 21, 2025, in La Grande at the age of 96. Jack preceded her in death in 2006.

Family members remaining are her son, John Ward Evans, and daughter-in-law, Kathleen “Kit” Evans of La Grande. She is also survived by her granddaughters, Kelly Evans of Corvallis, Kathleen “Katie” Evans of Portland; and a sister, Donna (Anderson) Schatz of Jacksonville, Ore.

Besides her husband she was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Delores “Dee” Duncan; and a brother, Marc “Bud” Anderson.

Contributions in memory of Dorothy Anna Evans may be made to the Blue Mountain Humane Association or the American Heart Association.

A graveside service was held at the Wallowa Cemetery on Friday May 2. A memorial service in La Grande will be announced at a later time.