Evelyn Buck

With a smile that could lighten up the darkest days, Evelyn Buck was an amazing woman who lived her life to love others. She touched the hearts and lives of not only the family she adored, but also so many within her community through her volunteer work. Evelyn was a strong and giving person who found the greatest happiness in the presence of her family.

In the year 1918, America was in the midst of an important change as the war in Europe pushed toward an end. With thousands of young servicemen returning home, the economy boomed to meet peacetime demands. It was the beginning of an era of prosperity and happiness, though Harry Heathman and his wife, Dorothy (Hall), of Fort Wayne, Indiana were in positive spirits for another reason. On December 9, 1918, they were blessed with the birth of their first child, a beautiful daughter they named Evelyn. She was later joined by five younger siblings, who rounded out the Heathman household with six children.

Evelyn was still small when her family moved from Fort Wayne to St. Johns, Michigan. She was a happy, easygoing child, though her placement in the sibling lineup meant she carried much responsibility. At an early age, she worked hard to help her mother take care of her younger siblings and the house, while her father owned and operated Heathman’s Wallpaper and Paint Store as well as served as a volunteer fireman. When it came to her leisure time, Evelyn enjoyed playing traditional games, like croquet, Monopoly and various ball games. As a family, they had picnics together in a park and rode in the back of her dad’s pickup truck. Evelyn was a good student and had many friends in school. She attended North Ward Elementary and went on to graduate with the class of 1936 at Rodney B. Wilson High School. To earn some extra money as a teenager, Evelyn worked at Parrs Drugs and in her father’s store.

Evelyn met the love of her life, Robert E. Buck, in high school, and they were happily married in 1941, in her parents’ home in St. Johns. After saying “I do,” Bob followed the same patriotic calling of other young men of the time, and enlisted in the U.S. Army. The newlyweds moved to Petaluma, California, where Bob was stationed, and they remained here until his honorable discharge. He then got a job with Grand Trunk Railway, which led the couple to move back to Michigan, putting down roots in Mount Clemens for the next 30 years. Soon, Evelyn and Bob delighted in welcoming the birth of their son, David, in 1948. Evelyn was a loving, devoted mother, very protective of her son, and she also created a home that was a place where love (and cleanliness) was plentiful. Education was important to Evelyn and she worked hard for many years so that David could go to college without any financial concerns.

Besides being a wonderful wife and mother, Evelyn worked for many years as a secretary in the Mt. Clemens School District. During this time, Evelyn proved what a fierce fighter she was as she courageously battled breast cancer in the 1960s and came out a winner. Eventually, Evelyn retired from the schools in order to take care of her husband, Bob, who had declining health due to a series of heart attacks. Once retired, the couple moved back to St. Johns to be near their family. Here, Evelyn loved working in her yard, tending to her beautiful roses and playing Bridge with her sisters. She also enjoyed the socialization while volunteering at Hazel I. Findlay Country Manor and at the First Congregational Church in St. Johns. Her happiest moments, however, were spent in the company of her beloved husband, Bob, who she loved dearly. Sadly, Bob died in November 1990, after 49 wonderful years of marriage.

In 2005, Evelyn’s health began to decline and she moved to the Hazel I. Findlay Country Manor, where she already knew many people from her volunteering. Her final years were difficult due to Dementia and Alzheimer’s, however, she continued to maintain her pleasant, loving and positive spirit. Her love of babies brought a smile to her face and that smile will be missed by all those who knew and loved her.

Evelyn D. (Heathman) Buck, age 92, of St. Johns, MI formerly of Mt. Clemens, MI, passed away on Monday, July 4, 2011, in St. Johns, MI. Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Dorothy Heathman, one brother, Edward (Spud) Heathman, and her husband, Robert E. Buck. Surviving is her son, David R. Buck of St. Johns; three sisters, Vianna Bond, Frances Thurston, Doris (Forrest) Swatman, all of St. Johns; and one brother, Roger (Gloria) Heathman of Dansville, MI.

Funeral Services will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 7, at The Osgood Funeral Home in St. Johns with Rev. Matthew Olson of The First Congregational Church officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Rest Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, July 6, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to Hazel I. Findlay Nursing Home for the Garden Club or First Congregational Church for the Landscape Fund. Please visit Evelyn’s personal webpage at www.lifestorynet.com/memories/71657, where you may share a memory, upload a photo and sign her online guest book. The family was served by The Osgood Funeral Homes.