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In memory of

Evelyn May Furtch

Richmond, CA, USA

September 17, 1927 - April 3, 2021

Sep 17, 1927 - Apr 3, 2021

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Evelyn May Furtch was born September 17, 1927 to Benjamin and Alvera Grace in Sacramento California. She grew up with her 2 brothers, John and Jim, and 3 sisters, Bea, Nellie and Mary. She loved to help her mother in the kitchen where she likely learned to cook the delicious meals she was known for.

Evelyn learned the truth when her best friend Norma started studying. She sat in on the study and enjoyed what she learned and started studying the Bible herself and was baptized in Albany Fields in 1956. Evelyn has the privilege of aiding several Bible students into the truth. She served Jehovah faithfully until her death April 3rd, 2021.

In 1960 she moved to San Francisco where she worked at the Employment Office until she retired. One day she waited on Frank, however, they did not know each other. A few weeks later she was at the Kingdom Hall on Clement Street. The speaker that day happened to be Frank Furtch. He left immediately after the talk but was surprised to see her sitting in the audience. He later asked friends where she lived. It happened to be downstairs from one of his close friends. He wasted no time in asking the friend to invite them both to dinner at the same time. The rest is history. They were married August 7, 1971 and would have had their 50th anniversary this year.

Evelyn was affectionally known as Auntie May to more than just family members. She became “Auntie” to everyone, and to Rossetta and Julie, the daughters of her best friend/sisterRuby Jackson, she was Aunt Evelyn. She had a big compassionate heart and took many under her wings and they always felt like they were “home” when at Frank and Evelyn’s home. She was always patient and ready to listen to anyone who needed a comforting ear, advice or spiritual encouragement. When you called her, you always knew you would feel uplifted and determined after that call. Even when in her last days of much discomfort, she knew Jehovah loved her and he would remember her. She loved to hear the song “Just Around the Corner”. When asked, “do you thing the Paradise will be here soon?” She would answer Absolutely! Even though her memory got very bad, she always remembered Jehovah. One day while her niece Andrea was visiting her, she was very weak, she hadn’t been eating, she was in much pain, but her niece touched her hand and asked her if she would like Ronnie to say a prayer? With all her strength she said Yes please! And held her hand tight for the entire prayer. Her faith was strong all the way to the end. Such an admirable example in never giving up.

Evelyn will always be remembered for her kind generosity, hospitality, encouragement, compassion and listening ear. We have all enjoyed a meal or many at her home, and the way we always felt at “home”.

Evelyn is survived by her husband, Frank Furtch, of 49 years.

Reflections

For as long as we remember she was always Aunt Evelyn. She and my mother were very close and they loved each other dearly. From the time my mother was in her wedding she became family. I remember all of us at the 1969 International convention in Los Angeles. It was hot but we had a wonderful time. We continued to visit up until the pandemic. Looking forward to the day she and my mom will see each other again.
—Ruby Jackson family, Rossetta, Julie, Stanley and grand children

I called her Auntie May. We shared many wonderful times together. She was a source of comfort and a dear friend. When I really needed someone to talk to she was there for me. I called her at least once a week for the last few years and we had many good laughs together, I miss talking to her and making her laugh.
—Marcelle Patterson

She was my beautiful friend, mother and sister. Her words were always encouraging and positive. I will never forget how she cried with me, and listened as I mourned the loss of my mother. What a sea, loving and supportive friend she was to me. We shared so many happy times together; she and Frank, Vern and I—their anniversaries, dinners, movies or just sitting and talking and much laughter—what memories I will always treasure. We will miss her very much, but we will see her soon again in Jehovah news World. So you rest my dearest friend until then. We will share happy times again soon because Jehovah has promised it through Christ Jesus.
Carol

Auntie May was so down to earth and I always sought out her advice. She was kind, and I remember her taking me to see Jungle Book when I was 11. —John Grace Jr

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