Beverly Bowden Evans

Our Sweet Mom cheered on the Utah Jazz for the last time on the evening of January 27th, 2021, enjoying another win!! She was a huge Cheerleader not only for the Jazz but also for her large family throughout her life and their lives!

Beverly Bayne Bowden was born on September 7, 1926 in Ogden, Utah to William L. Bowden and Lillian M. Long Bowden. She was one of seven children and was blessed with three sisters and three brothers. They were her best friends and playmates in those early, humble circumstances. Reared and educated in Ogden and Brigham City, Utah she graduated from Box Elder High School.

As one might imagine in living almost 95 years Bev's life held some beautiful highlights filled with children, grandchildren, close friends and family. She lived and enjoyed the mountains and valleys of Brigham City and Ogden and red rock sites of St George, Utah as well as San Jose, California and the serene and verdant beauty of the coastlines in and around California. In her early years of marriage, she also lived in San Angelo and Bryan, Texas and a very brief time in Florida.

She was also blessed over this long life to love and be loved by four men who she shared parts of her life with as well as the children that were born to these unions. As a young woman she met and married Robert Ayers who was serving in the Navy at the time. She and Robert delivered their firstborn, a son Robert Jr. (Bobby). He was born with complications from an RH factor and heart disorder and only lived a few weeks. This was a heartbreak for her and the first of many that she would suffer through her lifetime. Her perseverance and strength during adversity shined bright and has been a particular example many times for her children. She was blessed with a daughter, Christine during this marriage.

She and Robert divorced, and Mom met and married her sweetheart Dean E. Singleton who had served in the Navy as well as the Airforce as a pilot. They were blessed with two sons David R. and Richard B. Singleton. During a training exercise flying over Okinawa, tragically, Dean was killed in a midair collision. Mom was left a young widow with three small children who she directed her energy to and again worked through her grief and sorrow.

After returning to Ogden, Utah with her small family she met and married Lawrence W. Call a serviceman who had recently returned from serving in Europe in the Air Force. The small family became a large family with the addition of a daughter Cari Michelle and a son Barton White Call. After 7 years of marriage sadly they divorced.

Mom met and married James L. Evans welcoming two stepchildren into her life, Greg and Leesa, and a year later her daughter Allison was born early but healthy. Mom was almost 40 years old as she welcomed Alli. They lived in Ogden and Mom worked for many years at Commercial Security Bank as Jim worked in the auto industry working for others and then owning his own dealership. In December of 1969 another heartbreak would occur with the sudden death of her son Richard (Ricky). Jim and Mom would later move to San Jose, California and close out Jim's career there in the Bay area.  Mom had several jobs during their time in California and one of her most memorable was working for the Spartan Foundation at San Jose State University.  Their days were filled with work, but they always found time for friends and enjoying the outdoors. They were avid golfers and were able to golf many of the prestigious and scenic courses throughout Utah and California. Mom was particularly talented and had the opportunity to card a Hole in One while golfing at El Monte Golf Course. They retired to St. George, Ut. where Mom would reside until her passing.  Over many years living in Ogden and San Jose California Mom and Jim maintained close friendships with many and enjoyed travel and golf and boating. They entertained family and friends often, having lifetime relationships that spanned many years. They loved to travel to California to be with Bart and Alli and their families.  Her long-time companion Jim passed away on June 29, 1997.

Beverly was preceded in death by her parents, her spouses Dean E. Singleton and James L. Evans, her sons Robert Ayres and Richard B. Singleton and her stepdaughter Leesa Evans and a granddaughter Valerie Clawson. Also she was preceded in death by her siblings and spouses, Genevieve and Woodrow Fridal, Renold and Barbara Bowden, Garth and Kathy Bowden, Shirley and Ensign Ritchie, Blaine and Joyce Bowden, Zada Bowden and brother and sister in laws John (Jack) Evans and Bobby and Chyroll Evans and sister in law Sue and Byron Naisbitt.

She is survived by her children Christine Witeck, Greg and Karen Evans, David Singleton, Cari and Bill Biggerstaff, Barton and Cathy Call and Allison and Mark Thomas, two sisters in laws, Alice Evans and Joan Brown and also 13 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandsons and a soon to arrive great-great granddaughter and nieces and nephews, many of whom she was very close too. She loved her family.

Her example of strength during adversity and her great work ethic as well as positive attitude and wit and humor will always be a blessing to her children and grandchildren.

Mom has been incredibly fortunate to live in her own home enjoying a certain level of independence.

This would not have been possible without the care and companionship of her son David. As a family we not only want to express great love and appreciation to our brother but to the care givers who have attended her in St George. Dr. Kerry Stratford, Dr. Aberto Brizolara, and Dr. Michael Klein

Mom's desire was to be cremated and due to Covid 19 restrictions the family decided to hold a Memorial Service in her memory later in early spring. Details to follow.

We love you Mom, till we meet again.