Evelyn VanLishout, age 97, of Fargo, North Dakota, passed away on September 25, 2020 in her home under the loving care of her family and Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Evelyn was born September 2, 1923 near Heil, North Dakota to Ted and Helen Hafner. She attended elementary school in Heil and graduated from Elgin High School in 1941. Evelyn attended Business School in Bismarck, North Dakota and then worked at Grant County State Bank in Carson, North Dakota for 3 ½ years. She met the love of her life, John VanLishout, at a dance in Carson. They were married in 1946. After 46 years of living on a farm near Mott, North Dakota, the couple retired to Bismarck, North Dakota where they resided for 16 years. They moved to Fargo in 2006.

Evelyn was very active throughout her life. She and John enjoyed attending dances and going for walks together. She continued to go for walks as long as she was able. Evelyn loved spending time with her family and spent countless hours lovingly sewing personalized quilts and embroidering dishtowels for them. She was active in church work, PTA, and Homemakers. After moving to Fargo, she served her community by sewing quilts and lap robes in a sewing group at Trollwood Village. Evelyn also volunteered for the Valley Senior Services meal site at Trollwood. She loved socializing – playing Pinochle and getting together for coffee – which she greatly missed during the last months of her life.

Evelyn is survived by her children Judy Greff of Sioux Falls, SD; Mark (Nancy) VanLishout of Detroit Lakes, MN/Mesa, AZ; and Mary (Paul) Grindeland of Fargo, ND; her sister Ruth (D.K.) Fowler of Greenbank, WA, 11 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband John, her daughter Elaine (Bill) Vukelic, parents Ted and Helen Hafner, and in-laws Charles and Minnie VanLishout.

A graveside service will be held at 2 pm, October 7 at Sunny Slope Cemetery in Mott, North Dakota.

Memorials to the American Cancer Society, the Salvation Army, and Hospice of the Red River Valley can be given to honor Evelyn's life.

A special thank you to Hospice of the Red River Valley for the wonderful support and care Evelyn received from them.