Evelyn Givens

Dec 16, 1930 -

Dec 6, 2021

Evelyn Givens (Markley) entered eternal rest on Dec. 6, 2021, surrounded by her loving family. Evelyn was born in Wisconsin on Dec. 16, 1930. She moved to Alaska with her mom and three siblings in 1936, to meet up with her dad. Evelyn's fourth sibling was born shortly after their arrival in Anchorage. They lived for many years in what is now downtown Anchorage. The Markley family led the kind of pioneering, adventurous life that contributed to what Anchorage is today.

Evelyn experienced two great loves in her life. She first met Ralph Wayne Givens, fell in love, and the couple married in January 1949. They were blessed with two daughters: Cheryl Wieskamp (Givens) and LaVelle Wood (Givens). The Givens family lived a hard, yet fulfilled, life in Anchorage. Evelyn raised her family, ran an in-home daycare and worked as a real estate agent with Marston Reality.

Ralph and Evelyn transitioned to a snowbird retirement life with homes in Anchorage, Arizona and Molokai, Hawaii. They traveled often and made time to spend with their daughters and four grandchildren. The family suffered a great loss when Cheryl passed away in 1988.

Evelyn survived the loss of Ralph in 2002. Later on she was united with a longtime family friend, Ken Gerondale, who had previously worked for her father on his trapline. Ken and Evelyn continued snowbirding in Arizona and Alaska, living retirement life to the fullest.

Evelyn has survived many losses including her parents, William and Edna Markley; husband, Ralph; daughters, Cheryl and LaVelle; partner, Ken; siblings, Gladys Jones (Markley), Beverly Strutz (Markley) and Bill Markley; and many lifelong friends. She is survived by her sister, Colleen Rutledge (Markley); son-in-law, Darron Wood; grandchildren, Michael Wieskamp Jr. (Jennifer), Kevin Wieskamp (Shawnna), Laura Desmond (Jeff) and Sarah Abramczyk (Casimir); and great-grandchildren, Karen Zukar, Hailey Desmond, Emily Desmond, Korzen Abramczyk and Lilia Abramczyk.

She was so strong and determined to keep living life to its fullest. She was loved by many, wherever she went. Her last days were spent surrounded by her grandchildren who shared many stories, and laughter, remembering all the childhood memories. The life of Evelyn Givens is one that deserves to be celebrated. Please join the family for a Celebration of Life held at 2 p.m., on Jan. 8, 2022, at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 8427 Jewel Lake Road, Anchorage, AK 99502.