Obituaries

Thelma Rose Shotton Evankavitch, age 96, of Moosic and formerly of Old Forge, died Friday morning at Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton. She was preceded in death by her husband of 26 years, Casper J. Evankavitch, before his passing on March 13, 1979. Born in Olyphant on December 4, 1917, daughter of the late John Tiplady Shotton and Rosina Jackson Shotton Wall, Thelma was a graduate of the former Olyphant High School, Class of 1935. Prior to her retirement, she worked 15 years in the cosmetics department of The Globe Store of Scranton.
A longtime member of the Green Ridge Primitive Methodist Church, Thelma had also served as secretary of the Northeast Ballet Guild of Scranton and was a member of the Community Council Philharmonic and Broadway Theatre. An active volunteer, she had helped the American Heart Association, Meals on Wheels, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and R.S.V.P. (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program). She later attended Vocational-Technical School, having completed courses in cosmetology, fashion, furniture, refinishing and gourmet cooking. She also completed training with the National Income Tax Correspondence School and was a student of the Scranton Senior Citizens Art School. An avid and accomplished painter and pianist, Thelma passed away at 96 years young, having left behind a memorable legacy. Everyone that met her was amazed by her wit and intelligence.
She is survived by three children, Tina Marie Dolgash, Moosic, her caregiver with whom she resided; Robert Evankavitch and wife Karen of Glenburn and Phyllis Wisenand and husband Thomas of Shippensburg; a son-in-law, Michael Dolgash, Old Forge; a sister, Helen Ruhle of Scranton; three grandchildren, Candice Dolgash, Nadine Blasko and Christa Aycock; three great grandchildren; a niece, Sherri; and a nephew, Jack and wife Terry.
Funeral services are scheduled for Wednesday at 10:00AM in the Thomas P. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 517 North Main Street in Old Forge, to be conducted by Rev. Charles K. Beth, Pastor of the Green Ridge Primitive Methodist Church in Scranton. Interment will follow at the Union Cemetery in Peckville. Relatives and friends may pay their respects on Tuesday between 5-8:00PM at the funeral home.
Her family would like to acknowledge the entire staff of LIFE Geisinger as well as Debbie Checko, for the incredible love and care given to Thelma throughout the years.