Evelyn Cichowski

Evelyn M. Cichowski, 97, died May 15, 2018 with family at her side at Meadows Place Senior Living in Ellensburg after a bout of pneumonia. She was a resident there for two years. Prior to that, she lived in her home in Rosewood Adult Living. She lived alone in her own home until the age of 94.

Evelyn was born as Evelyn Street on April 13, 1921 in Alma, Michigan to Francis and Emma (Wolfgang) Street. At the age of one, the family moved to Saginaw, Michigan, where she grew up. She graduated from Saginaw High School in 1939. She married Chester J. (Chet) Cichowski in 1945. In 1951 Chet accepted a position at the Ellensburg Postal Service and then, Chet, Evelyn, and their three children moved to Ellensburg. They made Ellensburg their home for 34 years, then after Chet's retirement, they moved to Yakima in 1985. In 2003, they returned to Ellensburg to live out their lives near family. Evelyn and Chet had 60 wonderful years together until his death in 2005.

In earlier years, Evelyn worked in Fashion Clothing Merchandising and was a Buyer for department stores in Ellensburg. She had an impeccable sense of style. As a fashion clothing buyer, she often traveled to Seattle to fashion shows to purchase clothing for local department stores. She was also an avid seamstress and enjoyed sewing. She was very talented in needlepoint and cross stitching. She and Chet enjoyed gardening and always took pride in their beautiful yard.

After she and Chet retired, they traveled all over the world. Evelyn belonged to several social clubs including The Moose Lodge where she served a term as the Women's Senior Regent. She also belonged to several bridge clubs and enjoyed her many friends. Everyone who met her, loved her for her cheerful, kind, and generous personality. Being married to jokester, Chet, they spent a life of laughter and fun together.

One of her life experiences happened when she was a girl in Saginaw, when she met Amelia Earhart who flew into the Saginaw Airport in 1931 on an Autogiro (early helicopter). Evelyn's father had taken Evelyn and her brother to watch the event and Amelia personally greeted each person in the small crowd. Evelyn's family was her pride and joy. She always reminded us that she has had a wonderful life and even though, there were a few bumps in the road along the way, she still had a wonderful life.

She survived several life-threatening illnesses over the years, but she always sprung right back. She had a strong will to live which was evident by her long life of 97 years. She was very spry for a woman of her age. She had a zest for life and she amazed us. She'll be in our hearts forever and deeply missed.

Evelyn is survived by her daughter, Karen (Mike) Zirkle, son, Jon (Susie) Cichowski, daughter, Janet (Doug) Schnebly; Grandchildren, Tammy Wilson, Renea (Steve) McCauley, Kelly (Aaron) Tennant; Julie (Paul) Johnson, Sarah (Noland) Loncosty, Jessaca (Jon) Tersarik; Anna (Tommie) Brooks, David (Shelli) Zirkle; Tonya (Rick) Callies, and Erika (Tom) Ely; Great Grandchildren, Travis McCauley, Peyton Tennant; Max and Gus Loncosty; Ellie and Molly Terasik; Justin, Cassie, and Kiley Johnson; Taylor and Claire Brooks; Mia, Josie, and Nolan Zirkle; Janelle (Josh) Wassing , and Jacob and Alexandra Osborn; and her beloved cats, Princess and Precious. She was preceded in death by her husband, Chet; her son, Michael; her father and mother; her brother, Francis J. (Bud) Street, Jr.; and her dear and long-time friend, Dorothy Busch.

A celebration of Evelyn's life was held on Saturday, August 18, 2018 at 12:30 p.m. at the Rosewood Adult Living Clubhouse in Ellensburg. Later this year, her ashes will be taken to Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Saginaw, Michigan, for burial in the family plot. Chet and Evelyn also have a memorial at the IOOF cemetery in Ellensburg. Our family would like to thank everyone at Meadows Place Senior Living for the care and love she received. They treated her with kindness, compassion, and dignity and she appreciated that so much. I'm sure she'll be missed for her many daily walks around the facility visiting other residents along the way. She loved playing Bingo, but perhaps now, someone else will be able to win! Memorial contributions, in Evelyn's honor, can be made to Hospice Friends, 302 S. Main St., Ellensburg, WA, 98926 or a charity of your choice. Arrangements were provided by Steward-Williams Funeral Home and Crematory. On-line condolences can be made at www.steward-williams.com