Evelyn Jeannette Presley

Evelyn Presley, 97, passed away on September 23, 2020 peacefully at home with family by her side in Iron River, MI.  Evelyn had just enjoyed spending Friday evening playing cards with daughter Waunetta, son-in-law Chummer, grandson Tom Banks and wife Beth, and family friends Char, Ken, and Jeannette.  Evelyn was born in the year 1923 in Canada with a rough start to life but true to self, she fought her way through and grew into a healthy young child in Michigan with her mother Marie and father George O’Dell. Evelyn attended school in Harrison, MI and Rogers City, MI.

Evelyn lived a full and adventurous life, frequently traveling around the country for work and pleasure. She worked as a nanny for Alden Hunt, in the Abitibi plant in Alpena, as a cook at the Hillman High School, and a nurse’s aide in Rogers City. Evelyn was a member of the Calvary Episcopal Auxiliary in Hillman. She spent a number of winters in Harlingen, Texas. Evelyn lived in Newark, OH for 12 years where she was near her daughter Evelyn Blair, son-in-law Tom Blair, and granddaughter Dawn Blair. She enjoyed visiting with family and friends, domino nights with grandson Freddie and great-grandchildren Robbie, Adrianna, John, and Brandy playing cards, reading, and watching the local birds.  Most of all she loved the wonderful memories she got to make with all of her family and friends. 

Evelyn took her most recent trip to Alaska in September of 2017 with her daughter Waunetta to visit her daughter-in-law Sharon and her grandchildren Jeannette Mollo, Courtney Reed and Bella Mollo. She took several trips to Alaska over the years along with Texas and Florida getaways.

Evelyn is preceded in death by her parents Marie and George O’Dell, her late husbands William Cherrette, Garnett Rae, Orris Presley, sons George Rae & John Cherrette, and daughters Rose Marie Rae, Evelyn Blair, and baby girl Cherrette.

Evelyn is survived by her daughter Waunetta Seymour (Freddie), son-in-law Tom Blair, daughter-in-law Sharon Cherrette, stepdaughters Jackie (Jack) Robert, Lois McJames, Judy Sitler, stepson Larry Presley and many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. She will be loved, missed, and thought of warmly by all who knew her and got to love her.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, September 29, 2020 at Bannan Funeral Home – Hillman from noon until the funeral service at 1 p.m. with Pastor Marsha Marquardt officiating.

Interment: Hillman Rust Township Cemetery