Evelyn Arlene Wooten

Evelyn Arlene Wooten (Garner), of Garibaldi, Oregon and Yuma, Arizona, passed peacefully away on January 31st, after a 10 month battle with cancer. She was 71.Evelyn was born on March 22, 1942, in Portland, Oregon. She was the third of four children, and the only daughter of Lloyd J. and Grace E. Fowler. Her childhood was spent in various locations about Oregon, where she was always the apple of her father's eye. He required that she always dress in a manner appropriate of a proper young lady; at times insisting that she stand on a board, when outdoors, to avoid soiling her shoes. The family eventually landed back in Portland, where Evelyn graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1961.She married Bill Garner, late of Rock Port, Missouri, on November 5, 1965, and together they raised four children: Debbie Andrews, Robert Garner, Lori Long and Cary Garner; all still residents of the northwest. Evelyn and Bill shared a full and active life until his untimely death in 1986.Her passion for family and friends was her life's cornerstone, as well as her legacy to her children and grandchildren. She took an active role in the raising of her first cherished "grandbaby", Stacy Rusin; her adored grandson, William Long; and her youngest granddaughter, Regan Garner, whom she considered the artist and color of her life. Her unwavering loyalty to others was perhaps most evident in her close, lifelong relationship with her beloved friend and confidant, Pat Bopp, of Phoenix, Arizona.On March 12, 1999, Evelyn married Ralph Wooten. Together, they enjoyed their retirement years, splitting their time between their homes in Garibaldi and Yuma, while taking full advantage of the many activities offered by the Oregon coast and the warm Arizona sun.Evelyn is survived by her husband, Ralph; her children, Debbie, Robert, Lori, and Cary; her grandchildren Stacy, Stephanie, Shane, Jesse, William, Kariann, and Regan; her step-daughter Jenifer Peterson, of Happy Valley; her brothers Robert and Mark Fowler, both of Tigard, and countless friends. At her request, no services will be held.